U.S. private security contractors are set to begin security inspections near Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor, according to sources cited by Axios. Reports stated that they have already arrived in Israel and are preparing for their first operations on Sunday.
The deployment is part of a multinational consortium established under the Gaza ceasefire agreement to oversee the safe passage of vehicles and facilitate the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza.
The deployment includes two U.S. security firms—Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions—which will be joined by an Egyptian company.
The contractors are specifically tasked with managing a key checkpoint along Salah al-Din Road and conducting vehicle inspections between southern and northern Gaza to enforce the ceasefire and prevent the transport of rockets or other heavy weapons.
According to reports, SRS developed the operational plan, while UG Solutions will deploy around 100 armed personnel, including U.S. military veterans and former CIA operatives. Some personnel are Arabic speakers to facilitate communication with locals.
Under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, displaced civilians will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Starting January 25, unarmed pedestrians may travel via Al-Rashid Street without inspection. Vehicles will be inspected before crossing the Netzarim Corridor, with further provisions for pedestrian movement along Salah al-Din Street in the coming weeks.
Hamas, Israel, and international stakeholders reportedly approved the checkpoint plan, with funding expected to come primarily from Qatar, managed independently of Israel.
The deployment marks the first U.S. presence in Gaza since a 2003 bombing killed three U.S. officials. It comes after a 15-month Israeli military offensive that killed over 47,000 Palestinians.
