As Israel and Hamas move toward implementing a Washington-brokered peace agreement, the United States said up to 200 troops stationed in the region under Central Command will monitor the ceasefire agreement. CENTCOM troops
The agreement, based on President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, is expected to take effect soon, following its approval by the parties involved.
The first phase includes the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, and a cessation of military operations in Gaza.
Citing U.S. officials familiar with the planning, USA Today newspaper reported Thursday that the troops will support a stabilization force and monitor compliance with the ceasefire.
“Up to 200 U.S. personnel, who are already stationed at CENTCOM, will be tasked with monitoring the peace agreement in Israel. They will work alongside other international forces on the ground,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified in a statement, also shared on X platform.
This is NOT true and taken out of context.
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. https://t.co/V8UoUSrjA5
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) October 9, 2025
The troops will be stationed in Israel and neighboring countries, acting as observers to ensure the terms of the agreement are upheld. According to the report, no U.S. forces will enter Gaza, which has suffered two years of intense conflict.
More than 66,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, with thousands more injured, according to Gaza health officials.
The United Nations has said famine-like conditions continue to devastate the besieged enclave, where many displaced families are sheltered in overcrowded areas.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will oversee a joint task force expected to include military personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE.
A senior U.S. official said CENTCOM’s role will include coordinating with Israeli Defense Forces currently operating in Gaza to avoid conflict.
As of October 9, the details of the U.S. deployment were still being finalized, following formal approval of the peace plan’s first phase by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
The war in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel. According to Israeli officials, 1200 people were killed, while around 250 people were taken as hostages and transferred to Gaza.
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Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
