A private American security company is set to assume control of a crucial checkpoint leading to northern Gaza in the coming days, as Israeli forces prepare to withdraw from the area on Saturday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation shared with CNN.
Personnel from an American security contractor will oversee the checkpoint, tasked with inspecting vehicles heading into northern Gaza.
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Palestinians returning on foot to northern Gaza will not be subjected to inspections.
The Israeli withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza is expected to conclude on Saturday, paving the way for displaced northern Gaza residents to return to their homes or what remains of them.
Israeli media reports have identified UG Solutions as the contractor deploying personnel to manage the checkpoint.
Additionally, Safe Reach Solutions, another American firm, is reportedly involved in planning and logistical operations for the checkpoint.
Israel has previously considered using private American contractors for various initiatives, such as ensuring the safety of aid shipments to Gaza or creating humanitarian zones cleared of Hamas militants.
While none of these proposals have materialized, the contractor-operated checkpoint could serve as a critical test for deploying private contractors in Gaza.
