The U.S. will assign 200 troops with the task of monitoring the peace deal between Israel and Hamas on the ground, according to reports.
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Israel and Hamas agreed to an initial phase of a peace deal announced by President Donald Trump last week in what could be the beginning of an end to the years-long conflict that has caused widespread death, famine, and concerns about future stability in the Middle East. The deal is viewed as a political win for Trump, who pledged to bring an end to the conflict on the campaign trail.
What to Know
The Associated Press reported following the announcement of the deal that the U.S. would send about 200 troops alongside other allies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to support and monitor the peace deal in Gaza, citing two officials.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a post to X on Thursday, “To be clear: up to 200 U.S. personnel, who are already stationed at CENTCOM, will be tasked with monitoring the peace agreement in Israel, and they will work with other international forces on the ground.”
Troops with CENTCOM, formally known as United States Central Command, are already stationed across the globe, including parts of the Middle East. Troops who are already in Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates could be sent to Israel, according to the AP.
These troops will work to set up a “civil-military coordination center” to facilitate humanitarian aid, as well as provide logistical and security assistance in the region, the AP reported. They will also monitor the ceasefire and transition to a civilian government in Gaza.
The AP reported that no American troops will be sent into Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel said on Friday that its troops were withdrawing to pre-agreed positions inside the Gaza Strip, a major step toward ending the conflict. Hamas is expected to release Israeli hostages next week.
What People Are Saying
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday: "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!"
Commentator Wajahat Ali wrote on X: “Trump sending 200 US troops to Gaza and allowing Qatar to build a base in Idaho is not going to go over well with the AMERICA FIRST Maga movement. Clearly, he no longer cares, but this will likely cause more fractures.”
Former President Barack Obama wrote to X: “After two years of unimaginable loss and suffering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza, we should all be encouraged and relieved that an end to the conflict is within sight; that those hostages still being held will be reunited with their families; and that vital aid can start reaching those inside Gaza whose lives have been shattered. More than that, though, it now falls on Israelis and Palestinians, with the support of the U.S. and the entire world community, to begin the hard task of rebuilding Gaza – and to commit to a process that, by recognizing the common humanity and basic rights of both peoples, can achieve a lasting peace.”
What Happens Next
Around 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas are expected to be freed within a further 72 hours. The extent to which the deal leads to a lasting peace between Israel and Hamas remains to be seen.
