200 US troops to join Gaza ceasefire task force
Multinational force to monitor ceasefire, include representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and UAE
WASHINGTON/ISTANBUL (AA) – About 200 US troops will take part in a multinational task force to monitor and help implement a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, US officials said Thursday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official clarified that “no US troops are intended to go into Gaza.” Their deployment location will be finalized in upcoming discussions.
The troops will initially set up a “joint control center” before integrating with forces from other nations “to deconflict with the IDF (Israeli army) and build the right force structure,” the official added.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Bradley Cooper will oversee the effort to “make sure there are no violations or incursions,” another official said, describing the mission as largely focused on “oversight.”
The US contingent will form the core of a joint task force expected to include military representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and possibly the United Arab Emirates, according to US media reports.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the troops — “already stationed at CENTCOM” — will work with international partners “to monitor the peace agreement in Israel.”
Officials said Washington is in talks with “multiple governments” to form an “International Stabilization Force,” which will eventually replace Israeli troops in Gaza along what is being referred to as the “yellow line,” marking areas of initial Israeli withdrawal under President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan.
Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his 20-point plan, which includes a ceasefire, the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The second phase envisions a new governing mechanism for Gaza excluding Hamas, the creation of a joint Palestinian-Arab security force, and the disarmament of Hamas. Arab and Muslim states are expected to fund reconstruction efforts under the plan, though officials in several countries have said key details still require negotiation.
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