US troops land in Israel as Witkoff announces IDF has finished initial withdrawal from Gaza.

US Troops Arrive in Israel Amid Peace Efforts

Approximately 200 American troops landed in Israel on Saturday, aiming to support the historic peace agreement that concluded the recent Gaza conflict.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command, stated, “Our military personnel are stepping up to support the directives of the commander-in-chief and help foster peace in the Middle East at this crucial time.” He emphasized that this mission would not require U.S. forces to engage on the ground in Gaza.

These troops are not expected to enter the Gaza Strip. Instead, their role will involve coordinating with forces from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey as tensions with Israel escalate.

Part of President Trump’s responsibilities in the wake of the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas includes monitoring both sides to prevent any violations or aggression.

Cooper, along with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, visited an Israeli military post near Gaza on Saturday. They confirmed that Israeli Defense Forces would be withdrawing as part of the cease-fire deal, according to reports from Fox News National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin.

CENTCOM reported that the Israeli military had initiated its first phase of withdrawal by noon local time. Witkoff expressed, “The 72-hour countdown for the release of hostages has begun.”

In addition to security efforts, the U.S. military intends to establish a center to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, with shipments anticipated to start entering Gaza on Saturday.