By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL – ABC News was told by two U.S. officials that 200 American troops would begin arriving in Israel on Saturday, October 11 to join a multinational task force to monitor implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement According to the officials, the American troops are going “to set up a coordination center that will oversee implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza” that include roles in transportation, planning, logistics, security and engineering. According to sources, American troops will not enter the Gaza Strip because their mission will be inside Israel under the command of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Bradley Cooper to work with units from other countries in the region. The multinational task force is part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to bring peace to the Middle East.
The task force is part of the first phase in the plan, with the second phase to include 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. Turkish media reported on October 10 that its troops will be part of the task force and most likely will join toward the end of October. Reports indicate that the multinational command will include officers from Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and possibly, the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed that Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) are ready to participate. As the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated on Friday: “the Turkish Armed forces, which have experience in establishing and maintaining peace, are ready for any mission assigned to them.” The ministry further stated: “The Turkish Armed forces have served in numerous international missions for maintaining peace and security, earning appreciation with their professionalism and fair attitude.”
.
