The new Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel is “a key mechanism” for ensuring that Gaza’s transition toward stability and civilian governance is both secure and sustainable, US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said Thursday.
The CMCC, which began operating this week near Kiryat Gat, has an important role in coordinating international, humanitarian, and military efforts as the ceasefire enters its second week, he told The Jerusalem Post from CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa.
Building a framework for stability
“The CMCC enables partner nations, NGOs, international institutions, and private-sector stakeholders to get on the same page,” Hawkins said. “It’s about ensuring that humanitarian, logistical, and security assistance flows into Gaza efficiently and effectively.”
While not specifying which countries might send forces to Gaza, he said there was significant interest in joining the efforts there.
Even though many people consider the CMCC to be a military coalition, its mandate is far broader, Hawkins said.
“It’s not just about other militaries,” he said. “We’re talking about international stakeholders, humanitarian groups, and private-sector actors all working together.”
Several international partners have already arrived at the CMCC, Hawkins said.
“The deputy commander of the CMCC is a UK general officer,” he said, adding that “more countries and organizations are joining in the coming days and weeks.”
Monitoring the ceasefire moment by moment
Asked about the CMCC’s role in maintaining the ceasefire, Hawkins described an “operations floor” that allows real-time monitoring of developments inside Gaza.
“This enables us to see what’s happening on the ground as it happens,” he said. “We bring together data from international partners, NGOs, and institutions that have eyes and ears on the ground. That helps us know where assistance is needed most – and also ensures that the ceasefire holds.”
Hawkins emphasized that monitoring the ceasefire is central to the mission.
“A stable and secure Gaza is our focus,” he said. “That’s why this center exists.”
Coordination with Israel
The CMCC’s location in Israel ensures close coordination with the IDF, Hawkins said.
“Naturally, we’re working with the IDF,” he said. “They have representation just like many other nations and organizations do.”
Regarding claims by some Israeli officials that Washington is limiting Israel’s freedom of action in Gaza, Hawkins said: “The US has an ironclad commitment to Israel’s security and defense. We’re partners in this effort to bring about a stable and peaceful Gaza.”
He declined to elaborate about reported policy debates, saying only that senior US leaders have been clear in their public positions.
Reflecting on the ceasefire’s early days, Hawkins acknowledged the challenges ahead.
“It’s a very fragile situation,” he said. “Coming off two years of conflict is never easy. But that’s exactly why we stood up the CMCC: to coordinate international efforts and keep this process on track.”
CENTCOM remains focused on helping Gaza move “toward civilian governance,” which is “the ultimate measure of success,” Hawkins said.
'Full operations within weeks'
Regarding the timeline for when the CMCC will be fully operational, he said: “Over the next two weeks, as international partners integrate, we expect the Coordination Center to reach more full operational capability.”
Once that happens, “We’ll definitely look to highlight that progress and welcome media to see how the process works,” Hawkins said.