Optimism abounds at Gaza coordination center, but violence puts truce at risk – The Times of Israel

Report on the Civil-Military Coordination Center’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Gaza

Introduction: A Framework for Peace and Partnership

The Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), established on October 17, 2025, in Kiryat Gat, serves as a primary hub for stabilization efforts in Gaza following the ceasefire agreement of October 10. This initiative represents a significant multi-stakeholder effort, directly aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The center monitors the ceasefire and coordinates humanitarian operations, involving personnel from approximately 20 countries and 40 international organizations, led by the United States and Israel.

Core Operations and Alignment with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The CMCC’s primary mandate is the preservation of peace and the establishment of stable governance, which are central tenets of SDG 16. The center’s activities are structured to de-escalate conflict and build a foundation for resilient institutions.

• Ceasefire Monitoring: The center actively tracks and responds to ceasefire violations to maintain stability. The IDF has reported confronting hundreds of violations, highlighting the fragile security situation that the CMCC works to manage.
• Building Governance Structures: A dedicated civil governance team operates within the CMCC, focusing on long-term stabilization. This aligns with the peace plan’s vision for technocratic governance, a key component for achieving SDG 16.
• Disarmament Efforts: The comprehensive peace plan, endorsed by the UN Security Council, includes disarmament as a critical phase, directly targeting the root causes of conflict to ensure lasting peace.

Humanitarian Coordination: Addressing SDG 2 and SDG 3

A major focus of the CMCC is the coordination of humanitarian aid, which is fundamental to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) in a post-conflict environment.

1. Aid Delivery at Scale: The center facilitates the entry of an average of over 800 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza daily. This operation is crucial for ensuring food security and providing essential supplies to the population.
2. Securing Aid Distribution: The CMCC monitors and mitigates attempts by Hamas to commandeer aid, ensuring that resources reach their intended recipients and contribute effectively to humanitarian goals.

A Model for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The operational structure of the CMCC is a practical application of SDG 17, demonstrating a global partnership for sustainable development in a complex environment.

• International Collaboration: The center brings together military and civilian personnel from the US, Israel, the UK, the UAE, and approximately 20 other nations, fostering international cooperation.
• Multi-Sectoral Engagement: The involvement of around 40 international organizations alongside state actors creates a robust network for coordinating diverse aspects of the stabilization effort, from security to civil engineering.
• Shared Expertise: The presence of experienced US military officers with backgrounds in reconstruction operations in Iraq and Afghanistan provides valuable expertise for the complex challenges in Gaza.

Long-Term Vision: Reconstruction and Sustainable Economic Growth

The overarching peace plan supported by the CMCC outlines a future for Gaza that is aligned with several key development goals, including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1. Reconstruction and Infrastructure: The plan’s second phase prioritizes the reconstruction of Gaza, which is essential for rebuilding resilient infrastructure (SDG 9) and creating safe, sustainable communities (SDG 11).
2. Economic Investment: By fostering economic investment, the plan aims to create opportunities for decent work and stimulate economic growth (SDG 8), moving the region from dependency on aid to self-sufficiency.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on the content, the following SDGs are addressed:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article’s focus on the delivery of humanitarian aid, specifically the convoys of trucks entering Gaza, directly relates to efforts to alleviate hunger and ensure food security for a population in a crisis zone.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The core subject of the article is the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), an institution established to monitor a ceasefire, support stabilization, and prevent the recurrence of violence. This aligns with the goal of promoting peaceful societies and building effective institutions.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article emphasizes the collaborative nature of the CMCC, detailing the involvement of the US, Israel, around 20 other countries, and approximately 40 international organizations. This multi-stakeholder cooperation is the essence of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets under the identified SDGs can be linked to the activities described in the article:

1. Target 2.1: “By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.” The article describes a massive humanitarian effort, stating that “an average of over 800 trucks drive into Gaza every day,” which is a direct action aimed at providing food and essential supplies to a vulnerable population affected by conflict.
2. Target 16.1: “Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.” The primary mission of the CMCC is to monitor the Gaza ceasefire and prevent a return to war. The article mentions tracking ceasefire violations and “significant offensive actions (SIGACTS)” to maintain peace and reduce violence. The reported killing of 25 Palestinians following a ceasefire breach underscores the relevance of this target.
3. Target 16.a: “Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels… to prevent violence…” The CMCC itself is an institution created through international cooperation to build the capacity for peace-monitoring and stabilization in the region. Its structure, involving multiple countries and organizations, is a direct implementation of this target.
4. Target 17.16: “Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships…” The article provides a clear example of this target in action. The CMCC is described as a hub where “Around 20 countries have soldiers or civilian personnel… joined by some 40 international organizations,” all working together to achieve the common goals of peace and stability.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several specific indicators that are being used to measure progress:

• For Target 2.1 (End hunger): The article provides a direct quantitative indicator: “An average of over 800 trucks drive into Gaza every day.” This number serves as a metric for the volume of humanitarian aid being delivered.
• For Target 16.1 (Reduce violence): The article points to several indicators used to track the stability of the ceasefire:
  • Number of ceasefire violations: The text notes that the IDF has confronted “hundreds” of Hamas violations.
  • Number of Significant Offensive Actions (SIGACTS): A screen at the CMCC tracks this metric, with one display boasting “No SIGACTS within 48 hours.”
  • Number of casualties: The article reports that “At least 25 Palestinians were killed” in a retaliatory airstrike, indicating that death rates are a key measure of the failure or success of the ceasefire.
• For Target 17.16 (Global partnership): The scale of the partnership is quantified with specific numbers that can be used as indicators:
  • Number of participating countries: The article states there are “Around 20 countries” involved.
  • Number of participating international organizations: The text mentions “some 40 international organizations” are part of the effort.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: timesofisrael.com