ISLAMABAD: The United States is “very grateful” for Pakistan’s offer to be part of a Gaza stabilization force, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday.

Rubio made the remarks during an end-of-year news conference at the State Department Press Briefing Room in Washington, DC, while responding to questions from journalists.

When asked whether Washington had received Pakistan’s consent to deploy troops for peacebuilding efforts in Gaza, Rubio said the US appreciated Pakistan’s willingness to participate, or at least consider participation, in the proposed force.

The proposed stabilization initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, which calls for the deployment of troops from Muslim-majority countries during a transitional phase to support security and governance as the conflict-affected Palestinian territory moves toward reconstruction and a long-term political settlement.

Rubio noted that further clarity was still needed before any country could be asked to make a formal commitment.

A day earlier, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that discussions were ongoing in “certain capitals” and that Islamabad had not yet made a sovereign decision.

“I am not aware of any specific request made to Pakistan. We will inform you about any development if it takes place,” he said.

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Grateful for Pakistan’s offer to be part of Gaza stabilization force: Rubio