A small number of British military planning officers have been deployed to Israel as part of a US-led multinational taskforce for post-conflict planning in Gaza, but they are not directly involved in ceasefire monitoring, the government stated.
Defence Minister Al Carns confirmed the deployment in written responses to Conservative MP James Cartlidge, saying a “small team of UK planning officers, led by a two-star deputy commander, have embedded in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Israel to ensure that the UK remains integrated into the US-led planning efforts for Gaza post-conflict stability.”
Carns added that “this team is not monitoring the ceasefire in Gaza” and said the UK continues to work with international partners “to support the Gaza ceasefire to see where the UK can best contribute to the peace process.”
It is understood that the CMCC is a multinational effort led by US Central Command (Centcom) and is expected to include personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The UK’s involvement focuses on coordination and planning rather than combat or peacekeeping operations.
The initiative follows Israel’s approval of the first phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which has included the release of hostages and prisoners. US officials previously said up to 200 American troops already based in the Middle East would be relocated to Israel to support the CMCC.
British personnel will remain outside Gaza and operate within the coordination centre in Israel.
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