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British troops have been sent to Israel to help monitor a fragile ceasefire in Gaza after a request from the US. A senior commander and small number of military officers will be based in the region, with the UK playing an "anchor role" in a multinational force, Defence Secretary John Healey said. The commander will serve as deputy in the American-led civil military co-ordination centre in Israel, which was also expected to include troops from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. It comes just 10 days after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK had "no plans" to deploy soldiers as part of the force. Speaking at an event in London on Monday, Mr Healey said: "We can contribute to monitoring the ceasefire, but that's likely to be led by others. We've also, in response to the American request, we put a first-rate, two-star officer into the civilian and military command as a deputy commander. "So, Britain will play an anchor role, contribute the specialist experience and skills where we can. We don’t expect to be leading … we will play our part." The truce, brokered by US President Donald Trump, was tested on Sunday when Israel said Hamas had killed two soldiers, with the IDF confirming it carried out a "massive and extensive wave" of air strikes in southern Gaza. Israeli strikes killed at least 45 Palestinians, including children, according to health officials. The Israeli military later said it had resumed enforcing the ceasefire, and both Israel and Hamas said they remain committed to the agreement. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "A small number of UK planning officers have embedded in the US-led CMCC, civil military co-ordination centre, including a two-star deputy commander to ensure that the UK remains integrated into the US-led planning efforts for Gaza post-conflict stability. "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." The force is also expected to help get humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians in Gaza, where food convoys have faced delays by Israel.
