As Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire after a prolonged conflict lasting over two years, the United States is taking the lead in organizing a peacekeeping force for the next steps. Officials indicate that by Tuesday night, 200 U.S. troops will arrive in Israel and operate from Israeli bases. Additionally, a U.S. military C-17 transport plane carrying essential command and control equipment landed on Tuesday.
Negotiators who participated in the recent talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, have sought clarifications from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for both parties involved, as reported by sources. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, along with Special Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, briefed representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey about the Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC).
Although the U.S. committed to facilitating coordination, they were not able to establish a presence on the ground in Gaza, which prompted negotiators to update both Israel and Hamas. Things moved rather swiftly after this, with a source remarking, “They saw an opportunity and moved at lightning speed.” However, this rapid movement raised some unanswered questions, like the makeup of Gaza’s stabilization force and the mechanisms for Hamas’s disarmament.
It’s important to note that the CMCC is not located at the Israel Defense Forces’ Hazor Air Base, contrary to some earlier reports; it is situated several miles from Gaza. This center, led by the U.S., will also have contributions from various countries and organizations, including the United Nations and private aid groups. U.S. military personnel will be tasked with monitoring all activities entering and exiting Gaza as well as overseeing aid logistics.
The center is set to be operational in a few days, but Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar have yet to decide on the presence of their representatives at this location.
Jordan and Egypt have not expressed intentions to send troops to stabilize Gaza, which may leave the task to external nations, though no definitive plans exist. Countries willing to contribute troops would likely need approval not just from their own governments but also a mandate from the U.N. Security Council, potentially giving Hamas time to regroup.
Amid significant losses, Hamas fighters appear to be reluctant to retreat completely. Videos of extrajudicial killings by Hamas have surfaced online following the start of the ceasefire. Cooper emphasized the need for Hamas to “immediately cease its violence and shootings against innocent Palestinian civilians,” highlighting that this moment presents a “historic opportunity for peace.” He urged Hamas to withdraw and adhere to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan without hesitation.
Efforts are reportedly underway to formulate a reconstruction plan for Gaza. A significant challenge is the extensive network of tunnels beneath Gaza City, which complicates rebuilding efforts as filling these tunnels is essential for safe construction.
The initial phase of the peace agreement is still intact, but uncertainty lingers about the commencement of the second phase. Hamas has yet to return all 28 deceased hostages. Israel has reiterated its commitment to ensuring proper burials for all deceased hostages. Recently, Israel received the bodies of four dead hostages, with four more turned over on Tuesday—three confirmed as hostages, while one was identified as Palestinian.
“Hamas must make all necessary efforts to return the deceased hostages,” the IDF stated on X.
