WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is deploying approximately 200 troops to Israel to assist in supporting and monitoring the recent ceasefire deal in Gaza. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort that includes partner nations, non-governmental organizations, and private-sector players, according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
U.S. Central Command is set to establish a civil-military coordination center in Israel. This center will play a crucial role in facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid as well as providing logistical and security assistance to the region, which has suffered from two years of intense conflict. These details shed light on the U.S. military's involvement in monitoring the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire was made possible after Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a plan initiated during the Trump administration aimed at halting the ongoing fighting. However, numerous questions remain regarding the next steps, such as the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and establishing a future government in the territory.
One official indicated that this new team of U.S. troops will be essential in monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and facilitating the transition to a civilian government in Gaza. The coordination center will be manned by about 200 American service members, who bring expertise in areas such as transportation, planning, security, logistics, and engineering. It is important to note that no American troops will be deployed into Gaza itself.
A second official clarified that the troops will be sourced from U.S. Central Command and various other locations worldwide. These troops have already begun arriving in the region and will continue to travel over the weekend to initiate planning and establish the coordination center. Notably, members of the armed forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are expected to work alongside the U.S. troops, forming a cohesive multinational force.
The American service members will be tasked with integrating this multinational team and coordinating their efforts with the Israeli defense forces. The exact locations where U.S. troops will be stationed will be determined in the coming days, as discussions and planning continue.
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump emphasized the contributions of Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command. Trump praised Cooper for his collaboration with special envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cooper participated in negotiations in Egypt this week, where he reassured Arab nations at the negotiation table of the U.S.'s strong commitment to the ceasefire. His ability to establish a command post within the next two and a half weeks was noted as a significant point of readiness.
A significant breakthrough occurred on Wednesday, with a deal reached to pause the ongoing war in Gaza. This was achieved through pressure from the United States and regional mediators, urging both Israel and Hamas to cease hostilities. The conflict has led to devastating consequences in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and exacerbating tensions that have isolated Israel.
