Washington – The U.S. State Department has named Steven Fagin, the current ambassador to Yemen and a seasoned career diplomat, as the civilian head of the newly established Civil-Military Coordination Center tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian operations in Gaza.

The appointment comes amid intensified U.S. efforts to support the implementation of the October 10 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The center, located in southern Israel, was launched on October 17 and serves as a logistical and oversight hub for ceasefire compliance and aid delivery into the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Fagin will work alongside U.S. Army Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, who leads the military component of the center. Together, they will coordinate with approximately 200 U.S. troops, Israeli and European military personnel, representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, as well as United Nations agencies and international humanitarian organizations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the center earlier this week, pledging increased diplomatic engagement and reaffirming Washington’s commitment to a durable peace and the protection of civilians in Gaza. The State Department emphasized that Fagin’s experience in conflict zones and humanitarian diplomacy makes him well-suited to lead the civilian dimension of this complex mission.

The Civil-Military Coordination Center is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and efficient aid access, monitoring ceasefire violations, and supporting reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Fagin’s appointment signals a strategic shift toward integrating diplomatic leadership with military coordination in one of the region’s most volatile theaters.