Britain Sends Military Personnel To Israel To Support Gaza Stabilization

British military illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Corporal Andrew Morris/RAF/MOD)

JAKARTA - A number of British military planning officers have been sent to Israel to join a task force led by the United States to support efforts to stabilize in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Ministry of Defense said.

Gaza - United States, Egypt and Qatar mediators - stepped up their efforts this week to stabilize the initial stages of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as to push for a 20-point ceasefire plan by US President Donald Trump.

US-backed stabilization forces, known as the Civil-Military Coordination Center, or the CMCC, are meant to ensure security in Gaza. Compositions, roles, chains of command, legal status, and other issues have not been agreed upon.

Washington itself has agreed to provide up to 200 troops to support these troops without having to be stationed in Gaza. US officials said they were also talking to Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan to contribute.

A UK Defense Ministry spokesman said in a statement "a small number of UK planning officers" had been assigned to the CMCC, including a deputy two-star commander.

The spokesman said the deployment of troops aims to ensure Britain remains integrated in US-led planning efforts for post-conflict stability in Gaza.

"The UK continues to work closely with international partners to support the Gaza ceasefire to see where Britain can make the best contribution to the peace process," the spokesman said.

British media reported that Defense Minister John Healey said on Monday Britain had "the special experience and skills we have offered to donate."

He added, "Although Britain will not lead these efforts, Britain will play its part."

Defense Minister Healey said the deployment of troops was carried out in response to requests from Uncle Sam's country.