The United States has appointed a veteran diplomat to oversee efforts aimed at monitoring the Gaza ceasefire, an initiative designed to foster a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict. Steve Fagin, a career diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East, has been named the civilian lead of the Civil-Military Coordination Centre, established in southern Israel.
Fagin will be collaborating with US Army Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, who has already been appointed as the military head of the center. This facility was created on October 17, following a ceasefire agreement initiated on October 10, to observe any potential violations of the truce and manage logistics related to humanitarian aid delivery into the devastated Gaza Strip.
The center houses approximately 200 US troops working alongside military personnel from Israel, European nations, as well as representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, in conjunction with personnel from the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations. The operational hub is situated in a rented warehouse, strategically located just a short drive from Gaza, allowing for prompt coordination and response.
During a recent visit to the site, Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the significance of this initiative, referring to it as a “historic” undertaking. He acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead, noting that there will be “ups and downs and twists and turns,” yet expressed optimism about the progress being achieved so far.
Steve Fagin brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Since 2022, he has served as the ambassador to Yemen, managing diplomatic relations during a tumultuous period marked by US military actions against Huthi rebels. This group has launched missiles towards Israel, professing support for Palestinians in Gaza. Notably, Fagin has also recently held the position of the top US diplomat in Baghdad, balancing this role while serving as ambassador to Yemen, primarily operating out of Saudi Arabia.
As the US aims to support the ceasefire and stabilize the region, the establishment of the Civil-Military Coordination Centre is seen as a crucial step in ensuring effective oversight and logistical support in the ongoing humanitarian efforts.
