US, allies set up centre in Israel to facilitate Gaza humanitarian aid

The United States has established a Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in southern Israel to coordinate humanitarian and stabilisation efforts in Gaza, US officials have confirmed.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US forces in the Middle East, announced the opening of the centre, which officially began operations on October 21 during a visit by US Vice President J.D. Vance, Israeli media reports.

Over the next two weeks, the CMCC will bring together representatives from partner countries, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to work jointly on stabilising Gaza.

“The CMCC is designed to support stabilisation efforts. US military personnel will not be deployed inside Gaza, but will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian, logistical, and security assistance from international partners,” said US Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement.

The centre will also monitor compliance with the ongoing ceasefire. It features an operational headquarters to allow for real-time assessment of developments in the enclave and rapid response to any violations.

“Bringing together stakeholders who share the goal of successfully stabilising the Gaza Strip is critical to a peaceful transition,” Admiral Cooper said. Around 200 US military personnel have been deployed to operate the CMCC.

In addition, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that a small group of British planning officers has been sent to Israel to join the US-led multinational taskforce supporting ceasefire monitoring. The Civil-Military Coordination Centre is expected to include personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, according to earlier US statements.

The MoD emphasised that British troops will not enter Gaza and are not being deployed to any combat zones, reinforcing their role in support and coordination rather than direct operations.

By Tamilla Hasanova