US closes Gaza mission as Trump's peace plan faces setbacks

The United States is reportedly set to close its Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) near Gaza, a key mission established to monitor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. This development signifies a significant setback for President Donald Trump's broader Gaza peace plan, which has been struggling amidst ongoing Israeli military operations and Hamas's refusal to disarm. The CMCC, operating from a warehouse in southern Israel, will reportedly hand over its aid and monitoring responsibilities to a newly formed, U.S.-commanded international security mission, the International Stabilization Force (ISF). Sources indicate a substantial reduction in the U.S. military presence, with troop numbers expected to drop from approximately 190 to around 40. These remaining troops are slated to be replaced by civilian staff from other nations. The ISF itself has faced challenges in full deployment, with only a limited number of countries pledging troops and none yet committed to security roles within Gaza, a move the U.S. has stated its own troops will not undertake. The closure of the CMCC underscores the persistent difficulties the U.S. has faced in effectively overseeing the ceasefire and coordinating humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Challenges have been exacerbated by Israel's ongoing territorial advances and Hamas's consolidation of control in certain areas. This situation has also generated unease among U.S. allies who had contributed personnel and funding to the CMCC and to Gaza's reconstruction efforts, which have been largely stalled, particularly following the joint U.S.-Israel war against Iran. The establishment of the CMCC was a central component of Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, introduced after the October ceasefire intended to halt the fighting and initiate reconstruction. Initially, dozens of countries, including Germany, France, Britain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, sent personnel to the center. However, participation has reportedly dwindled, with some diplomats noting that many countries now send representatives infrequently. Amidst these reports, the Trump-led Board of Peace, which oversees Gaza policy, has issued a denial. The Board of Peace stated on its official X account that claims of the CMCC's closure are incorrect and that the center is actively advancing its efforts to deliver aid. They asserted that food aid is reaching three times more people than before, and aid diversion has significantly decreased. However, this official denial contrasts with reports from multiple diplomatic sources and news agencies that indicate the closure is imminent and part of a broader restructuring. The future of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) itself remains uncertain, with its full deployment to Gaza still pending. The lack of a clear enforcement mechanism for the CMCC and now for the ISF raises questions about their practical impact on the ground. The broader context of the U.S.-Iran war, which began in late February 2026, has also complicated and possibly sidelined efforts related to Gaza's reconstruction and stability. This situation highlights the complex and volatile nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of implementing international peace and aid initiatives in the region. The effectiveness of these missions, their transparency, and their ability to adapt to evolving geopolitical dynamics remain critical areas of concern for all stakeholders. The reported closure of the CMCC, despite official denials, suggests a significant shift in U.S. operational strategy in Gaza, potentially leaving a void in direct ceasefire monitoring and aid coordination roles.

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