UK sends small contingent of planning officers to Israel to monitor Gaza ceasefire
A senior commander and a small team of planning officers have been deployed to Israel as part of a US-led mission to support and monitor the Gaza ceasefire, following a request from the United States.
The commander will work as a deputy within a US-led task force called the Civil Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), which is expected to include troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE.
The specific role of the British contingent remains unclear, although UK personnel will not enter Gaza or operate in a combat zone.
Delivering a speech to business leaders at Mansion House on Monday, Defence Secretary John Healey said: "In response to the American request, we put a first-rate, two-star officer into the civilian and military command as a deputy commander. So, Britain will play an anchor role.
"We can contribute to the monitoring of the ceasefire. That is likely to be led by others."
He added that Britain would "contribute the specialist experience and skills where we can" without playing a leading role, "but we will play our part".
Details about the US-led task force, which will help to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid and provide logistical and security assistance in the territory, emerged after a ceasefire deal was signed between Hamas and Israel on 10 October.
It forms part of Mr Trump's 20-point peace plan, which sets out his vision for peace and an end to the conflict in the region.
Earlier this month, 200 US troops already deployed in the area were moved to Israel to monitor the ceasefire.
The troops have experience in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering, the United States Central Command said.
Soldiers are involved in a wider team, incorporating partner nations, charities and private-sector organisations, there to oversee the peace deal and the eventual transition to a civilian government in Gaza.
But US officials have said the troops will not be allowed to set foot in Gaza.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "A small number of UK planning officers have embedded in the US-led CMCC, Civil Military Coordination Centre, including a 2* deputy commander to ensure that the UK remains integrated into the US-led planning efforts for Gaza post-conflict stability.
"The UK continues to work with international partners to support the Gaza ceasefire to see where the UK can best contribute to the peace process."
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