The German army is sending three soldiers to southern Israel to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They will serve unarmed in a US-led coordination center. This comes amid ongoing delays in handing over hostages.
The German army is participating with three soldiers in monitoring the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Two staff officers and one brigadier general will be deployed to southern Israel next week, the Defense Ministry announced. The soldiers are to serve uniformed but unarmed in the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), which comprises around 200 service members.
The CMCC, which is under construction but already operational, monitors the ceasefire, removes war debris, and coordinates humanitarian aid. It also prepares the integration, training, and logistical support for the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for the Gaza Strip. The ISF is part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan and is to ensure security there. Many countries have offered troop contributions, and other partners have committed to the CMCC.
No separate mandate is required for the deployment, as no armed operations are expected. The ceasefire includes the handover of all hostages: In addition to 20 survivors, Hamas was to hand over 28 dead hostages. However, only nine bodies have been returned so far, prompting Israel to threaten a resumption of fighting.
On Friday, Hamas announced it would hand over the remains of another Israeli hostage, recovered that day. Israel confirmed that the Red Cross had received the coffin. The Kassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, stated that their obligations had been fulfilled and that special equipment is needed for the remaining bodies.
Meanwhile, Turkey has dispatched 81 specialists to assist in searching and recovering remains from the rubble. The team was waiting in Egypt on Friday for Israeli approval.