Gaza Coordination Center to Be Rebranded as International Aid Effort Expands

The civil-military coordination center in Kiryat Gat, launched less than a year ago with major fanfare, is set for a major overhaul after months of sharp criticism and claims that it has had little influence on Gaza realities. According to N12, the center will not be shut down, despite reports to the contrary, but will be renamed the International Gaza Aid Center (IGSC) and given broader responsibilities and a different operating structure.

Three diplomats familiar with the plan said the rebranding is meant to make the body more relevant in Gaza. At the core of the change is the International Stabilization Force for Gaza (ISF), which is expected to receive a much larger role in the center's activity. The effort to establish that force is continuing, and for the first time it was reported that Vietnam and Georgia are in advanced talks about sending troops.

The changes are also expected to reduce the number of countries and representatives taking part in discussions about Gaza's future, in an effort to streamline staff work and speed up decision-making. One diplomat said employees were told the transition was supposed to take effect in June, though it may be delayed slightly, and that it should happen