The private security company UG Solutions is hiring nearly 100 former US special forces soldiers to work in Gaza during the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, News.bg reports.
This is a precedent, as it is the first time that armed US contractors have operated in such a conflict zone. The contractors will be at checkpoints together with Egyptian security forces, and their main duties will include vehicle inspections.
Risks and contexts of the operation
The deployment of armed US soldiers in Gaza carries serious risks of clashes with Hamas fighters or local protesters. However, their presence could be used by Hamas as part of their propaganda against Israel. The US's history with private military companies is also controversial, following the Blackwater incidents in 2007.
US funding and involvement
The operation was funded by Israel and unspecified Arab countries, with the US not officially involved in the contract. UG Solutions is working with Safe Reach Solutions, which handles the logistics.