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United States troops began arriving in Israel on Saturday to join a multinational task force that will oversee implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to U.S. media reports.
Citing two U.S. officials, ABC News reported that 200 American troops were deploying “to set up a coordination center that will oversee implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” with roles in transportation, planning, logistics, security, and engineering.
The troops will not enter the Gaza Strip, the report said. Their mission will take place inside Israel under the command of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Bradley Cooper, working alongside units from countries in the region.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a 20-point plan he unveiled on Sept. 29, which seeks to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages.
The plan calls for the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, along with a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
A second phase includes the creation of a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas participation, the formation of a joint Palestinian–Arab security force, and the disarmament of Hamas.
Since October 2023, Israeli bombardments have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians, most of them women and children, leaving the enclave largely uninhabitable.
Meanwhile, Turkish troops could join the Gaza Joint Task Force by late October, with a command center expected to be established within two weeks, Turkish media reported Friday.
Adm. Cooper is expected to oversee the headquarters, with the initial 200 U.S. troops helping to construct and organize the multinational force.
American officials emphasized that U.S. personnel will not deploy throughout Gaza but will coordinate and supervise the force’s establishment to ensure the ceasefire is upheld.
The command will include officers from Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and possibly the United Arab Emirates, according to reports.
The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) are ready to participate in the mission.
“The Turkish Armed Forces, which have experience in establishing and maintaining peace, are ready for any mission assigned to them,” ministry sources said Friday.
The statement followed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s announcement that Türkiye would take part in the international task force monitoring the on-ground implementation of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
“The Turkish Armed Forces have served in numerous international missions for maintaining peace and security, earning appreciation with their professionalism and fair attitude,” the statement added.
Experts speaking to Türkiye daily described the development as a “historic return” for Türkiye to the Palestinian territories after 105 years.
Retired Brig. Gen. Abdulkadir Akturan said Türkiye’s participation had “caused great excitement among the Turkish people and the Islamic world” and elevated the country’s prestige to “a whole new level.”
Speaking to the newspaper, Syrian researcher Muin Naim said Ankara’s status as a guarantor country represented a turning point despite Israeli resistance.
“The meaning attached to the ceasefire and lasting peace has also changed with Türkiye. Israel has begun to withdraw—seriously this time,” Naim said.
"Türkiye, which has assumed a historic mission, will now be the leading actor for the people of Gaza—not only militarily, but also politically and in the reconstruction phase," Naim added.
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Meanwhile, retired Adm. Cihat Yayci, recalling Gaza’s status as Ottoman territory 105 years ago, said, “Even the presence of 50 Turkish soldiers there would change everything. Palestine is our neighbor across the sea."
"Our participation in the international stabilization force is a historic event in every sense. Our role in the ceasefire is also historic. Türkiye has clearly stated, 'I am a great power,'" Yayci added.
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