CENTCOM Opens Coordination Center in Israel for Gaza Aid

October 17 marked a new chapter in post-conflict recovery for Gaza, as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) officially inaugurated the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel — a key hub designed to coordinate international humanitarian and stabilization efforts for the region.

The establishment of the CMCC comes just five days after global leaders endorsed a U.S.-brokered plan aiming for a permanent end to the war between Israel and Hamas.

According to CENTCOM, the new center will not involve U.S. troops entering the Gaza Strip. Instead, it will serve as a coordination platform, ensuring the smooth delivery of humanitarian, logistical, and security assistance from international partners into Gaza.

“Bringing together all parties who share the goal of achieving lasting stability in Gaza is vital for a peaceful transition,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command. “Over the coming weeks, American personnel will integrate representatives from partner nations, NGOs, international institutions, and the private sector as they arrive at the coordination center.”

The CMCC will also play a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Its operations room is equipped to track developments in Gaza in real time, allowing staff to assess and respond to emerging situations quickly. The facility includes offices and meeting spaces designed to foster joint planning between military, diplomatic, and humanitarian teams.

Constructed by around 200 U.S. military personnel experienced in logistics, transport, engineering, and security, the CMCC was established under the leadership of Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, Commander of U.S. Army Central (ARCENT).

“Our team worked tirelessly to build this coordination center from the ground up,” Admiral Cooper added. “They can take pride in knowing they’ve laid the groundwork for a crucial infrastructure that supports the transition toward civilian governance in Gaza.”

Headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, CENTCOM oversees military operations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia — regions where it works to promote stability, security, and prosperity. Its Army component, U.S. Army Central, operates out of Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, serving as the land-based arm of CENTCOM’s mission.