US Appoints Veteran Diplomat Steven Fagin to Oversee Gaza Ceasefire Operations

The United States has appointed Ambassador Steven Fagin as the civilian lead of the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel, tasked with overseeing the Gaza ceasefire and coordinating humanitarian aid. The CMCC, established following the October 10, 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, operates in Kiryat Gat and includes a multinational team with about 200 US troops working alongside personnel from Israel, European countries, the UAE, Jordan, the UN, and humanitarian organizations. Fagin, a seasoned diplomat with extensive Middle East experience, including roles as US ambassador to Yemen and top US diplomat in Baghdad, will work alongside military head Lieutenant General Patrick Frank. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the center as a "historic" and "healthy optimistic" effort to enforce the truce and facilitate aid delivery. The CMCC represents a broader international commitment to stabilize Gaza, with participation from the UK, Qatar, Egypt, and potential involvement from other countries. This initiative aligns with President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan and underscores the US's dedication to achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.