US blocks European diplomats from Gaza coordination center at Israel’s request

According to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the US, under pressure from Israel, has blocked senior European diplomats serving with the Palestinian Authority from entering the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) located in Kiryat Gat near the Gaza border.

Diplomats stated that the US-led center, which monitors operations and the ceasefire in Gaza, was open to international representatives when it first became operational.

However, access to the center has reportedly become increasingly restricted in recent weeks. The process began when the Dutch mission representative to the Palestinian Authority was denied re-entry to the center, which he had previously visited twice.

Subsequently, Belgium’s representative in Ramallah and France’s Consul General in Jerusalem faced the same restriction.

Ban covers ambassador-level representatives

The ban is said to apply only to ambassador-level mission representatives, while lower-ranking diplomatic staff working with the Palestinian Authority can still enter the center.

European officials reported that the US Embassy recently introduced a requirement for written applications to enter the center. It was learned that one European country applied in accordance with this request but received no official response.

The ambassador of the country in question was later informed by US officials that the ban was imposed at Israel’s request.

Diplomats: Israel’s influence over the center has increased

Speaking on the matter, a European diplomat noted that initial contacts with US officials took place in a very open environment, stating, “Many of them did not have much information about Gaza or the Palestinians.”

The same diplomat expressed that Israel’s influence over the center has grown over time.

Multiple diplomats argued that envoys working with the Palestinian Authority should be present within the CMCC, as they lack detailed knowledge of Palestinian society and there are no Palestinian representatives at the center.

US officials also dissatisfied with the policy

Another European official said that the decision was also communicated to them directly by Israeli officials.

When European missions raised their objections with US diplomats, Washington reportedly “held back,” claiming the request came from Israel and that the US was also dissatisfied with the policy.

European countries participating in the CMCC aim to influence Israeli and US planning for Gaza and advocate for a role for the Palestinian Authority east of the so-called “Yellow Line,” which is controlled by the Israeli army.

This approach contradicts Israel’s refusal to transfer authority in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority.

This development coincides with a period when US President Donald Trump’s administration has delayed announcing the members of its planned “Peace Board” and postponed the announcement of a technocratic Palestinian committee intended to manage daily life in Gaza.

When previously asked when he would announce the members of the “Peace Board,” Trump replied, “We will do that at the beginning of next year. The Peace Board will be one of the most wonderful boards ever. Everyone wants to be on this board. Basically, the leaders of the most important countries will be on this board.”

CENTCOM: 60 million tons of debris in Gaza

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a statement regarding the CMCC’s weekly activities, said, “The number of international personnel serving at the center has also been increased, expanding to include representatives from approximately 60 countries and partner organizations.”

The statement, which provided information on aid delivered, added, “Debris removal in Gaza remains a complex problem.”

CENTCOM stated, “It is estimated that there are more than 60 million tons of debris throughout the Gaza Strip.”