TL;DR: The U.S. is sending 200 non-combat troops to Israel to help monitor a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Their role includes coordinating humanitarian aid, logistics, and security, but they will not enter Gaza. This is part of a Trump-brokered peace plan following a two-year war.
U.S. Troop Deployment to Israel
- The U.S. is sending about 200 troops from Central Command to Israel, not Gaza, to support the Gaza ceasefire agreement, officials confirmed on October 9, 2025.
- Troops will establish a Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) near the Gaza border to coordinate humanitarian aid, logistics, engineering, and security.
- The U.S. troops will not enter Gaza and are in non-combat roles; their work supports a multinational task force with Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and possibly the UAE.
- This follows the first phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by President Donald Trump and approved by Israel’s cabinet on October 9.
- CENTCOM’s Admiral Brad Cooper will lead the joint task force. The U.S. mission is expected to last 3-6 months initially.
Background on the Ceasefire Deal
- The war began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. Israel’s response caused over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, per Gaza’s Health Ministry.
- Ceasefire agreement key points:
- Hamas will release 48 Israeli hostages within 72 hours.
- Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- IDF will withdraw from Gaza in phases, starting with a pullback to the “Yellow Line” within 24 hours.
- Up to 500 aid trucks daily will be allowed into Gaza.
- Hamas agrees to disarm and relinquish governance, with plans for a civilian-led administration still being negotiated.
- The full plan is expected to be implemented within 60 days under joint mediation by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Reactions and Regional Impact
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu called it a "momentous development" and credited Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said the deal marks the "end of the Gaza war".
- Four Israeli ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, voted against the deal, calling it a "mousetrap".
- President Trump called it a "long-sought" breakthrough and is expected to visit the region to officially sign the deal.
- U.S. critics warn of potential entanglement; concerns remain over Hamas disarmament and Gaza governance.