The US military will form a "civil-military coordination centre" in Israel, led by US Central Command (Picture: DVIDS)
The US military will form a 'civil-military coordination centre' in Israel, led by US Central Command (Picture: DVIDS)
USA

Everything we know about US forces' role in overseeing Israel-Gaza ceasefire

The US military will form a "civil-military coordination centre" in Israel, led by US Central Command (Picture: DVIDS)
The US military will form a 'civil-military coordination centre' in Israel, led by US Central Command (Picture: DVIDS)

President Donald Trump has said that Israel and Hamas "signed off on the first phase" of the 20-point peace plan following days of negotiations in Egypt.

The peace plan was conceived to bring an end to a conflict that has gone on for two years after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

As a part of the ceasefire deal, an international force will monitor the ceasefire.

BFBS Forces News has analysed the peace deal to find out more about the involvement of US forces and their responsibilities.

How many US troops have been deployed to Israel?

Washington is deploying up to 200 troops based in the Middle East to Israel, US officials have said.

Forces from countries including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey will be embedded in the team and will watch the truce and flag any violations, reports have said.

The US military will form a "civil-military coordination centre" in Israel, led by US Central Command, involving around 200 US personnel.

And, according to the Associated Press, the civil-military coordination centre will support the safe passage of humanitarian aid, and logistical and security assistance.  

The Times of Israel has reported that the command base could be ready in just over two weeks, although there is no official timetable saying when it will be operational.

High rises, Hamas and a hidden enemy: What is the next move for Israel in Palestine?

What responsibilities will the US troops have during the deployment?

The personnel will be tasked with administering the progress of the ceasefire agreement and aiding in the organisation of humanitarian assistance.  

The troops have experience in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering, reports have 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.

If a hostage and prisoner exchange goes smoothly, officials say that an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) will be created.

This establishment of the ISF is still to be acquiesced to by the relevant parties.

What is the International Stabilisation Force?  

According to Donald Trump's peace plan, points 15, 16 and 17 describe the intentions for building an ISF.

Washington will work with Arab and international partners – not currently listed – to establish the ISF so that it can be moved into Gaza.

"The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt, who have extensive experience in this field," the peace plan said.

"This force will be the long-term internal security solution."

The ISF is also supposed to be working on securing border areas with the new Palestinian police forces, Israel and Egypt. 

President Trump said that the structure of the force has "to be determined" (Picture: PA)
President Trump said that the structure of the force has "to be determined" (Picture: PA)

What is the future role of the ISF in the conflict?

While the ISF "establishes control and stability," the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will gradually withdraw.

As the IDF leaves Gaza, it will give the territory to the ISF.

"The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones and timeframes linked to demilitarisation that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the United States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens," the peace plan said.

President Trump has not given definitive answers on how the force will look, as he said that the structure of the force has "to be determined".

The ISF will have to make Hamas hand in their weapons and equipment, keep Gaza stable, and train the Palestinian police.

But the ISF's rules of engagement, composition, and legal backing have not been disclosed.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told BBC Breakfast that the UK does not have any plans to let UK troops join the international force.

"That's not our plan, there's no plan to do that," Ms Cooper said.

Related topics

Join Our Newsletter

WatchUsOn

Torpedo strike blows up Norwegian frigate💥

Tomahawk v Flamingo: missiles compared🚀

British Army sniper's battle with PTSD