The United States is sending about 200 troops to Israel to assist and support the ceasefire deal in Gaza, several reports confirmed.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is planning on creating a “civil-military coordination center” in Israel that will facilitate humanitarian aid going into Gaza, as well as logistical and security assistance to the territory, officials confirmed to The Associated Press.
It shows how the United States would be participating in the unfolding ceasefire deal, which was brokered by President Trump and agreed upon this week by Israel and Hamas. Still, questions remain about what life in Gaza will look like as Israeli troops withdrew on Friday.
The U.S. military team in Israel will help monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and the transition from Hamas control to a civilian government in Gaza, the AP reported.
According to Fox News, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper attended negotiations with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in–law Jared Kushner. Cooper then flew to Israel.
CENTOM confirmed that Israeli troops had completed their role in the ceasefire’s first phase by withdrawing to an agreed-upon line in Gaza by the negotiated deadline, Fox News reported.
The Deseret News has reached out to CENTCOM for more information.
The Israeli Cabinet approved the ceasefire deal on Thursday. Once Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza, a 72-hour clock begins for Hamas to release the remaining living and deceased hostages.
Involved parties shared excitement that a deal was reached between Israel and Hamas almost exactly two years after the Oct. 7, 2023 initial attack, but were cautiously optimistic about the deal crossing the finish line after previous ceasefire agreements fell apart.
If all goes to plan, the White House estimates that hostages could be returned as soon as Monday.