Up to 200 US troops already based in the Middle East will be deployed to Israel to assist in monitoring the ceasefire in Gaza, as reported by US officials.
The proposed US military operation involves the formation of a multinational taskforce, known as a civil-military coordination centre, which is expected to include military personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE.
Officials have clarified that no US forces will enter Gaza; instead, their role will involve the creation of a Joint Control Center intended to facilitate integration with this multinational force.
Recently, the Israeli government approved the first phase of a Gaza deal with Hamas, resulting in a ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners.
The taskforce, led by US Central Command (Centcom), is tasked with overseeing the ceasefire agreement and coordinating humanitarian aid efforts. It will serve as a channel to inform both Israeli and Hamas officials about the on-ground situation and any possible violations of the truce.
Adm Brad Cooper, the head of Centcom, is leading this initiative, having participated in indirect talks in Egypt earlier this week. These discussions contributed to the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the signing of the first phase of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas.
Trump's plan also proposes developing a temporary International Stabilisation Force to be deployed in Gaza, contingent on the successful execution of hostage and prisoner exchanges.
The recent conflict began when Israel launched a military offensive in reaction to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages in Israel. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israel's subsequent military actions have claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, including more than 20,100 children, with these figures recognized as credible by various international bodies.
