US official confirms 200 troops reach Gaza for ceasefire supervision

A US official confirmed on Wednesday evening the arrival of a force of around 200 US troops inside the Gaza Strip.

The official explained that the mission of this force is to establish a “multilateral civil-military coordination center,” which will fully oversee the implementation of the agreement and will be ready to operate within a few days.

This military deployment, representing the first official US presence on the ground in Gaza in this capacity, signifies a strategic shift in managing the crisis, from a diplomatic mediator role to direct field supervision.

According to the official, the primary task of the center will be “monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire and violations by the parties,” acting as an international oversight mechanism to ensure compliance with the agreement’s terms and independently document any breaches by either side.

The work of the center will not be limited to the US side alone. The official revealed that “partner countries will work with us in the coordination center and will have representatives on the ground in Gaza,” giving the center a broad international character.

The center will also include representatives from international bodies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, reflecting its comprehensive nature. Its role will extend beyond military aspects to include coordinating humanitarian efforts and preparing for the reconstruction process.

This military deployment is a key part of the international guarantees accompanying the recently reached agreement, aimed at permanently ending the conflict.

With the arrival of these forces and the actual establishment of the center underway, diplomatic efforts are transitioning from negotiation halls to practical implementation on the ground, a real test of the seriousness and commitment of all parties to move forward toward ending the conflict.