Private US Security Firms to Oversee Vehicle Inspections in Gaza

Reports indicate that private security personnel from the United States are set to be deployed in the Gaza Strip. Their primary responsibility will be to inspect vehicles of displaced Palestinians returning from the southern regions of Gaza to their original homes in the devastated northern areas. This information has emerged from multiple government officials, as reported by major news outlets.

According to Axios, the deployment of these security teams is expected to commence shortly and is part of a ceasefire agreement mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar between Israel and Hamas.

During negotiations, Israel emphasized the necessity for inspections of returnees, a demand that Hamas opposed. As a compromise, it was decided that vehicles would only be allowed to travel on a designated road northward, with security checks conducted by independent entities.

Reports suggest that three security firms will be involved in this operation: two from the United States and one from Egypt. Notably, individuals traveling on foot will not undergo inspections, according to the New York Times.

The security personnel are expected to manage checkpoints along the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the Gaza Strip south of Gaza City into two sections. This corridor had previously been under the control of Israeli forces, aimed at preventing Palestinians from returning to the evacuated northern territories. The recent agreement stipulates that the return for those displaced to the south will begin seven days after the ceasefire is implemented.

For ongoing updates regarding the situation in the Middle East, readers are encouraged to follow our live blog.