The United States is deploying approximately 200 troops to Israel as part of a multinational team aimed at supporting and overseeing the recent ceasefire deal in Gaza. U.S. officials confirmed this development on Thursday, speaking on the condition of anonymity over details that were not publicly authorized. This initiative will take place under the auspices of U.S. Central Command, which plans to establish a "civil-military coordination center" in Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as provide logistical and security assistance to the war-torn territory.
This announcement marks one of the initial revelations concerning how the ceasefire agreement will be monitored, indicating a clear role for the U.S. military in this effort. Following the agreement between Israel and Hamas to proceed with the first phase of a ceasefire plan, questions concerning subsequent steps persist. These include matters such as the disarmament of Hamas, the potential withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the formation of a future government in the territory.
According to officials, the newly formed team will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and aiding in the transition toward a civilian governance structure in Gaza. The coordination center will comprise U.S. service members specializing in various fields such as transportation, planning, security, logistics, and engineering. Importantly, these American troops will not be deployed inside Gaza itself.
Officials also confirmed that the troops will be drawn from U.S. Central Command's existing forces stationed in the Middle East and other regions worldwide. Reports indicate that some of these troops have commenced their deployment and will continue to arrive over the weekend to strategize and set up the coordination center in Israel.
Membres of the armed forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are anticipated to join the U.S. troops, facilitating a multinational cooperation within this mission. As part of their duties, the American service members will collaborate closely with Israeli defense forces and other international military personnel involved in the effort.
The precise location for the positioning of U.S. troops will be determined during a session on Friday. President Donald Trump has underscored the contribution of Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command, during a Cabinet meeting, expressing his satisfaction with Cooper's work alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cooper's presence in Egypt this week helped reassure Arab nations involved in the negotiations that the U.S. would uphold its commitments, providing essential reassurances to Hamas as well.
During discussions, Cooper also indicated that he could have a command post operational within two and a half weeks, showcasing a readiness to act swiftly. A significant breakthrough deal to cease hostilities in Gaza was achieved on Wednesday after extensive U.S. and regional mediation efforts, compelling both Israel and Hamas to halt the ongoing conflict that has severely affected the Gaza Strip, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and escalating regional tensions.
The newly reached agreement comprises a first phase aimed at securing the release of any remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians currently imprisoned by Israel. This phase represents a significant move toward addressing the humanitarian needs and restoring stability in the region amidst a backdrop of ongoing violence.
