US to Deploy 200-Person Military Team to Oversee Gaza Ceasefire

A 200-person American military team will be deployed to the Middle East to oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following a hostage release deal brokered by President Donald Trump, US officials announced today.

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US military’s Central Command, will lead the team, with an initial deployment of 200 personnel focused on observation and violation monitoring. According to a senior official, the team will include military personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. “Putting Admiral Cooper in the room [with negotiators in Egypt] gave a lot of confidence and security to the Arab countries,” the official stated, adding that this reassurance was then conveyed to Hamas. No US troops are expected to enter Gaza itself.

The personnel will bring expertise in transportation, planning, security, logistics, and engineering, and have already begun arriving in the region to establish a joint control center intended to deconflict with the Israeli Defense Forces. The team’s role extends to assisting with the transition to a civilian government in Gaza, a key component of the broader peace plan. This deployment marks a significant US commitment to stabilizing the region after a two-year conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

While the exact location of the command center remains unclear – with some sources suggesting Egypt and others indicating Israel – officials stated Admiral Cooper believes the post can be fully operational within two and a half weeks. President Trump praised Cooper’s work alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday during a cabinet meeting. Officials indicated the team will continue to work towards the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.