First phase of Gaza ceasefire: 200 U.S. troops arrive in Israel

Gaza: As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, 200 U.S. troops have arrived in Israel.

According to American media, the U.S. troops who arrived in Israel will coordinate with military personnel from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey present in the region, but will not enter Gaza itself.

The Israeli military has withdrawn to the designated boundaries as per the Gaza peace agreement. To review this withdrawal, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Gaza and stated that the first phase of the Israeli military pullback has been completed.

Following his visit, Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), said the purpose of the visit was to determine how to establish a Civil-Military Coordination Center under CENTCOM’s leadership. He also confirmed that no U.S. troops will be deployed inside Gaza.

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EXCLUSIVE: US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff accompanied by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited Israeli troops inside base in Gaza to confirm agreed upon withdrawal was complete. Fox News obtained this exclusive photo of the visit. Both have returned to Israel. pic.twitter.com/kp3ZookwGh

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) October 11, 2025

“This great effort will be achieved with no US boots on the ground in Gaza,” Cooper said in a statement, noting that his command would lead the centre.

Under the truce deal, the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are set to be freed by Monday. The government believes around 20 of the hostages remain alive. In exchange, Israel will release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

As the ceasefire held overnight, Palestinians faced the extent of the destruction brough by Israel bombings over the course of two years of war.

Officials in Gaza said that over 5,000 public operations have been conducted since the ceasefire came into effect. This includes efforts to restore water and sewage infrastructure, medical operations and relief missions.

It added that around 700 humanitarian missions were carried out to distribute food to Gaza’s displaced population.