Executive summary: The BBC recently visited a US-led coordination center in southern Israel that is monitoring the Gaza ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian efforts, with international personnel from over 20 countries involved in the operation.
The Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), located in a warehouse in southern Israel, serves as the nerve center for overseeing the nearly six-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. US and Israeli soldiers, along with military representatives from more than 20 other nations, diplomats, and aid workers, are based at the facility to coordinate the truce’s implementation and manage the flow of assistance into Gaza. This multinational team works in shifts to monitor compliance, using advanced communication systems to track movements and incidents in real-time. The center’s strategic placement near the Gaza border allows for swift responses to any breaches, helping to maintain the fragile calm that has prevailed since early October.
Established under President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, the CMCC is tasked with ensuring the ceasefire holds while organizing the entry of humanitarian supplies and planning for reconstruction in the war-torn enclave. Its operations include coordinating with organizations like the Red Cross and UN agencies to deliver food, medicine, and shelter materials to civilians affected by the conflict. The center also plays a critical role in de-escalating tensions by mediating disputes and reporting violations to higher command levels, aiming to prevent a return to violence. This effort is part of a broader initiative to stabilize the region and build foundations for lasting peace, though challenges in logistics and security persist.
The ceasefire, which began after intense negotiations in early October 2025, has brought a tentative respite after months of devastating conflict that caused widespread destruction and loss of life. While it has largely held, sporadic rocket fire and minor clashes have occurred, highlighting the volatility of the situation. This period of relative calm has enabled the opening of humanitarian corridors, allowing essential aid to reach Gaza’s population, but underlying political grievances and security concerns remain unaddressed. The CMCC’s monitoring is crucial for maintaining this balance, as any significant violation could jeopardize the truce and humanitarian progress.
A key point of contention is the absence of formal Palestinian representation at the CMCC, which has drawn criticism from Palestinian authorities and some international observers. They argue that this exclusion undermines the legitimacy of the monitoring process and could hinder efforts to resolve core issues such as borders, sovereignty, and the rights of displaced persons. This lack of involvement reflects deeper political divisions and complicates the path toward a comprehensive peace agreement. Critics warn that without inclusive participation, the center’s efforts may fail to address the root causes of the conflict, potentially leading to renewed hostilities.
Earlier reports, such as from AP News in October, indicated that approximately 200 US troops are deployed at the center, working alongside Israeli forces and delegations from countries including the UK, France, and Jordan. This deployment underscores the US commitment to the ceasefire and stabilization efforts, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio having toured the facility to assess progress and reinforce diplomatic support. The international presence aims to provide impartial oversight and build trust among the parties, but it also highlights the complex geopolitics involved, with each nation bringing its own interests and perspectives to the table.
The success of the CMCC could have significant implications for the broader Middle East peace process, potentially serving as a model for future conflict resolution and international cooperation. If effective, it might pave the way for renewed diplomacy, confidence-building measures, and eventual talks on a permanent resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, obstacles such as ensuring sustained ceasefire compliance, addressing urgent humanitarian needs, and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders remain formidable. The center’s operations are being closely monitored as a test case for multilateral intervention in high-tension zones.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift to scaling up humanitarian assistance and initiating reconstruction projects in Gaza, contingent on continued calm and cooperation from all sides. The BBC’s access to the center has highlighted these efforts, emphasizing the role of transparency and international collaboration in conflict resolution. Ultimately, the CMCC’s impact will depend on its ability to overcome political hurdles, build trust, and adapt to evolving circumstances, with the hope that it can contribute to a more stable and peaceful future for the region.
