After more than two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. The U.S. has taken a leading role in overseeing the next phase of the peace deal, deploying 200 troops to Israel as part of a multinational coordination effort.
As per reports, the U.S. has established a coordination base in Israel, with a C-17 transport plane delivering command-and-control equipment and supplies. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), under Admiral Brad Cooper, has been briefing key stakeholders, including the Qataris, Egyptians, and Turks, on the operations of the Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC), which will be located a few miles northeast of Gaza.
While the CMCC is expected to be operational within days, representatives from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar have yet to confirm their participation. Meanwhile, regional powers such as Jordan and Egypt have expressed reluctance to send troops to stabilize Gaza, potentially leaving the burden to non-regional countries, which would require U.N. Security Council approval and domestic government support.
Amid these developments, Hamas has shown no immediate signs of disarming, with reports of extrajudicial killings in public spaces. Admiral Cooper has reiterated the U.S. stance, urging Hamas to fully stand down, adhere to the Trump 2,000-point peace plan, and disarm without delay, emphasizing the historic opportunity for peace.
The rebuilding of Gaza, particularly in Gaza City, faces significant challenges due to the extensive tunnel network, which must be filled to ensure stable construction. However, the first phase of the deal remains incomplete, as Hamas has not yet delivered all 28 bodies of deceased hostages, complicating the timeline for the second stage of the peace process.
Recent updates indicate that Israel has received several bodies of deceased hostages, including those of Yossi Sharabi, Binpin Joshi, Guy Iluz, and Daniel Peretz, with continued efforts to locate and recover the remaining bodies for proper burial, ensuring the process remains on track and respecting the families of the deceased.