American military oversight will shape the early stages of Gaza’s new peacekeeping mission, with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) coordinating operations but keeping American troops out of the conflict zone.
CENTCOM Commander Navy Adm. Brad Cooper will “initially have 200 people on the ground,” according to U.S. officials, though “no US troops are intended to go into Gaza.” Instead, the American contingent will direct and coordinate efforts among forces from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF).
“[Cooper’s] role will be to oversee, observe, make sure there are no violations or incursions — everybody is worried about the other side,” one U.S. official said. “So much of this is going to be oversight.”
The mission’s early focus will be on establishing a “command room” to manage the recently agreed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The deal is expected to be followed by the release of roughly 20 Israeli hostages. Officials said the U.S. will “keep the Israelis informed,” while working closely with regional partners to “come up with better security plans.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the limited U.S. role, saying: “Up to 200 U.S. personnel, who are already stationed at CENTCOM, will be tasked with monitoring the peace agreement in Israel.”
The mission stems from President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which calls for a multinational force to help stabilize Gaza as Hamas relinquishes control — a plan now moving from paper to practice under American coordination.
