US security contractors deployed near Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor

Representatives of US private security firms are set to oversee operations near Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor in the coming days, according to US news site Axios, citing Israeli officials and a source with direct knowledge.  

The area, under Israeli control since November 2023, divides northern Gaza from the rest of the Strip.  

Armed personnel from the US companies will also be deployed in the enclave as part of a multinational consortium created under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar. 

The multinational consortium will manage a critical checkpoint along Salah al-Din Road, inspecting vehicles moving from southern to northern Gaza to ensure compliance with the ceasefire, preventing the transfer of rockets or other heavy weapons. 

According to Israeli outlet Walla, two American firms and an Egyptian company will manage this mechanism, facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza while maintaining security.  

“The consortium’s role is to oversee, manage, and secure a critical vehicle checkpoint along Salah al-Din Road, facilitating the safe return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza,” An unnamed official said to be familiar with the process told Axios.

Hamas announced on Thursday that displaced civilians will be permitted to move north via Al-Rashid Street without undergoing inspections on Saturday.

“On the seventh day of the agreement, 25 January 2025, after completing the prisoner exchange and the withdrawal of occupation forces from Al-Rashid Street, internally displaced pedestrians will be allowed to return northwards without weapons and without inspection via Al-Rashid Street, with freedom of movement between southern and northern Gaza,” the group said.

Vehicles will be permitted to cross the Netzarim Corridor after inspection, with additional measures allowing pedestrian return via Salah al-Din Street by the 22nd day of the agreement. 

Hamas did not specify who would be responsible for vehicle inspections. 

Axios revealed details about the firms involved, selected with approval from the US, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and Hamas.

These include American security firms Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions. It said an unnamed Egyptian security firm approved by the Egyptian intelligence would be tasked with deploying guards to Gaza.

Operational oversight and funding 

The operations will allegedly be coordinated by Ghassan Alyan, head of Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).  

Funding for these operations is independent of Israel, with intermediaries from Qatar, Egypt, and the US managing financial arrangements. Reports suggest Qatar would likely be the primary funder. 

The US contractors are expected to operate in Gaza until the first phase of the hostage deal concludes.

This could either result in further negotiations and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza or a breakdown in talks leading to renewed hostilities. 

This marks the first deployment of American security firms in Gaza in two decades, according to Walla.  

The multinational makeup of the consortium is seen as a significant international effort to support the fragile ceasefire agreement, which has already facilitated the release of some Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. 

However, many Palestinians returning to northern Gaza are expected to find their homes destroyed after a devastating 15-month Israeli military offensive that has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians since 7 October 2023. 

No official comments have been made by the security companies involved, or by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Hamas, Israel, or the United States.