US Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard arrived in Kiryat Gat, Israel, on Monday to review operations at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC). The United States recently set up this center to monitor the Gaza ceasefire and ensure both Israel and Hamas follow its terms.
Speaking to Fox News, Gabbard confirmed that 16 countries and 20 NGOs were now sharing intelligence through the center. She explained that this global collaboration plays a crucial role in maintaining regional security.“Intelligence supports not only security, and achieving lasting peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians,” she said.
Furthermore, Gabbard plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. Her visit follows recent trips by other senior US officials — Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East Advisor Steve Witkoff. Together, these visits show how actively Washington is engaging to stabilize the region and uphold the ceasefire.
US Drones Watch the Skies Over Gaza
Meanwhile, the United States has started flying surveillance drones over Gaza to verify that both sides are respecting the truce. According to The New York Times, two Israeli military officials and a US defense official confirmed that Israel approved the flights.
The drones are now assisting the Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, which the US Central Command established last week. This move aims to strengthen oversight of the ceasefire and prevent violations.
Previously, the US military used drones mainly to locate hostages captured by Hamas. However, this time, American officials want an independent understanding of the ground situation rather than relying solely on Israeli intelligence.
Israel Returns Bodies Under Ceasefire Deal
On Monday, Israel returned 45 Palestinian bodies to Gaza under the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, bringing the total number handed over to 270, according to the Gaza health ministry.
Under President Donald Trump’s truce plan, Israel must return 15 Palestinian bodies for every deceased Israeli it receives. After conducting forensic tests, Israel confirmed that the remains handed over by Hamas belonged to three hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The victims were identified as Captain Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier, Corporal Oz Daniel, 19, and Colonel Assaf Hamami, 40, who was the highest-ranking Israeli officer killed by Hamas.
Ceasefire Faces Fragile Stability
Although the ceasefire is still in effect, tensions remain high. Both sides have accused each other of minor violations, raising concerns that the truce could collapse if diplomacy weakens.
Still, Gabbard’s visit — combined with intensified US drone surveillance and ongoing coordination — signals Washington’s determination to preserve peace and prevent renewed conflict in Gaza.