The United States confirmed that 200 service members will deploy to the Middle East to help oversee the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, following Israel’s approval of a U.S.-brokered peace plan. While the agreement is officially in effect, it remains unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to halt operations in Gaza.
According to two Israeli officials, the ceasefire terms were approved by Israel’s government late Monday. The plan includes the release of all hostages held in Gaza, a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops to designated areas, and the freeing of selected Palestinian prisoners.
A senior Hamas official stated that a “formal declaration” to end the war must come before any hostages are released.
The U.S. military will establish a Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel to facilitate stabilization efforts for Gaza, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is establishing a Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel to support stabilization efforts for Gaza following the Oct. 8 announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas,” the official said. “The United States has no plans to deploy US military personnel into Gaza.”
The Pentagon confirmed that about 200 U.S. service members with expertise in logistics, security, transportation, planning, and engineering will support the CMCC’s operations inside Israel.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration’s stance in a post on X, writing that “up to 200 U.S. personnel, who are already stationed at CENTCOM, will be tasked with monitoring the peace agreement in Israel, and they will work with other international forces on the ground.”
A White House official told CNN that the U.S. troops will monitor and assist in implementing the ceasefire, potentially joining international forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates who will help oversee the truce.
The ceasefire marks a pivotal moment after months of conflict in Gaza. While the U.S. and its partners work to enforce the agreement, the coming days will determine whether both Israel and Hamas fully commit to the terms of the deal aimed at restoring stability in the region.
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