The US military says the newly established Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Gaza has quickly grown into a multinational hub, now bringing together representatives from 14 countries and 20 non-governmental organizations to coordinate humanitarian, logistical, and security assistance under the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
CENTCOM Spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins told Al Arabiya English that participation “grows every day as partners continue to arrive.”
He deferred to participating countries to announce their involvement, but pointed to the UK’s announcement of its participation. This includes a deputy commander and a small number of UK planning officers.
The center, located outside Gaza, serves as a joint platform to facilitate aid delivery, oversee ceasefire compliance, and plan future stabilization efforts.
Hawkins described it as “an open door to historic possibilities for lasting peace,” crediting the US-brokered ceasefire deal for making it possible.
“It’s upon the various parties to take advantage of this historic opportunity and walk through that door. We’ve opened it, and we have stood up [the CMCC] to help facilitate a process through which as much humanitarian, logistical security assistance can flow into Gaza as possible, as quickly as possible, where it’s needed,” he added.
Rapid setup and expanding role
Negotiators had originally estimated it would take 17 days to establish the center, but it was opened just five days after the agreement was signed on October 13. By October 24, Hawkins said, the CMCC was operating at “full speed” with partner integration and daily coordination between military, NGO, and international representatives.
Hawkins emphasized the pace reflects the priority Washington has placed on creating mechanisms for sustained peace and stability in Gaza, adding: “We established the center, and now you see the international community responding in kind.”
Examples of on-the-ground coordination
As evidence of the center’s early impact, the CENTCOM spokesman cited Egypt’s recent deployment of search teams to locate and recover the remains of Israeli hostages. That mission, he said, was organized through the CMCC after coordination identified both the needs and resources required. “They’re already on the ground doing the hard work,” Hawkins said, calling it “critical to keeping the ceasefire in place.”
Hawkins stressed that the CMCC’s approach relies heavily on dialogue and verification when potential violations occur. “It’s important to continue to have discussions and understand what is happening on the ground, separate fact from fiction, and also to discuss the best steps forward toward bringing about progress,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a very dynamic and delicate situation transitioning from two years of conflict toward a situation where you’re looking to have lasting peace is not easy.”
Asked about the next phase, particularly the introduction of an international stabilization force (ISF) to take on security in Gaza, Hawkins confirmed planning discussions were underway but had no further details. “Planning discussions are ongoing.”
Citing US officials, Axios reported on Thursday that US officials had held holding “sensitive conversations” with several countries potentially being involved with the security force and plans on presenting a more concrete plan in the next few weeks.
Israel has expressed opposition to some countries sending troops, including Turkey.
“The Israelis are nervous and skeptical because they are not in control, and they don’t have the cards anymore. We told them, ‘Let’s create the right circumstances and see if Hamas is serious or not,’” one US official was quoted as telling Axios.
