The United States is sending about 200 troops to Israel to help support and monitor the ceasefire deal in Gaza as part of a team that includes partner nations, non-governmental organisations and private-sector players, US officials said on Thursday.
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The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details that were not authorised for release, said US Central Command is going to establish a “civil-military coordination centre” in Israel that will help facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid as well as logistical and security assistance into the territory wracked by two years of war.
The remarks provide some of the first details on how the ceasefire deal would be monitored and that the US military would have a role in that effort.
After Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a Trump administration plan to halt the fighting, a litany of questions remain on next steps, including Hamas disarmament, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a future government in the territory.
One of the officials said the new team will help monitor implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the transition to a civilian government in Gaza.
Trump considers Mideast trip as Gaza deal announced
Trump considers Mideast trip as Gaza deal announced
The coordination centre will be staffed by about 200 US service members who have expertise in transport, planning, security, logistics and engineering, said the official, who noted that no American troops will be sent into Gaza.