Washington/Israel, October 11(HS): Up to 200 US troops currently stationed in the Middle East will be redeployed to Israel to assist in monitoring the recently agreed ceasefire in Gaza, US officials confirmed. The United States will lead a multinational taskforce comprising forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE to establish a civil-military coordination centre aimed at overseeing the ceasefire’s implementation and coordinating humanitarian assistance.

The taskforce, under the leadership of US Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper, will create a Joint Control Center to integrate the multinational force and provide real-time updates to both Israeli and Hamas representatives via Egypt and Qatar.

Notably, US forces will not enter Gaza, focusing instead on coordination and peacekeeping functions from Israel.This deployment follows Israel’s government approval of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas, which has also facilitated the release of hostages and prisoners.

The effort builds on the peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation to stabilise Gaza.The current conflict, sparked by Hamas’s attacks on Israel in October 2023, resulted in high casualties on both sides, including over 67,000 Palestinians killed as reported by Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry and more than 1,200 Israelis killed or taken hostage.

The taskforce’s role is seen as critical in maintaining the fragile truce and enabling humanitarian aid in the war-torn region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar