British troops have been deployed to Israel to assist in monitoring the fragile Gaza ceasefire, following a direct request from the United States, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Monday.
The move marks a significant shift in the UK’s role in post-conflict stabilisation efforts in the region, just a week after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said there were “no plans” to send soldiers.
Speaking at a business event in London, Mr Healey said the UK would play an “anchor role” by providing “specialist experience and skills” to support international peace efforts.
“We can contribute to the monitoring of the ceasefire,” he said. “That is likely to be led by others. But we will play our part where we can.”
Senior British Commander Joins US-Led Mission
The British contingent includes a Major General, who will serve as deputy to a US commander overseeing the new Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), an international body designed to manage security, logistics, and humanitarian coordination in the wake of the ceasefire.
The CMCC, led by US Central Command, is also expected to include personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
“A small number of UK planning officers have embedded in the US-led CMCC, including a two-star deputy commander, to ensure that the UK remains integrated into planning efforts for Gaza’s post-conflict stability.”
The statement added that Britain “continues to work with international partners to support the Gaza ceasefire and to see where the UK can best contribute to the peace process.”
Ceasefire Brokered by Trump Under Strain
The ceasefire agreement, brokered on 10 October by former US President Donald Trump, was hailed as a breakthrough between Israel and Hamas, creating what Mr Healey called an “opportunity for a long-term peace.”
However, tensions remain high. Both sides have accused each other of breaching the truce’s terms, and Israel briefly resumed airstrikes over the weekend after troops reportedly came under attack.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported more than 50 deaths in the past 24 hours, underlining how fragile the ceasefire remains.
Troops to Stay Outside Gaza
Both British and American forces will remain outside Gaza itself. The US has announced plans to send up to 200 troops to Israel, though none will operate inside the strip.
The British team, described as a small number of planning and coordination personnel, will focus on supporting the flow of humanitarian aid, logistics, and security assistance into the territory.
According to US officials, the CMCC will also help monitor implementation of the ceasefire and guide the transition to a civilian government in Gaza, a separate effort from the proposed international stabilisation force that could enter the territory at a later stage.
That stabilisation force forms a key pillar of Mr Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Yet, reports suggest several countries are hesitant to commit troops while Hamas remains armed, raising concerns about the viability of the plan.
A Balancing Act for Britain
Britain’s decision to join the mission signals its intent to support Washington’s efforts without becoming directly involved in ground operations.
Mr Healey stressed that while the UK will not lead the mission, it will “play an anchor role” in maintaining regional stability and ensuring the ceasefire holds.
“We have specialist experience and skills that we have offered to contribute,” he said. “We don’t expect to be leading, but we will play our part.”
