BSS/AFP) - The UK Ministry of Defence on Tuesday confirmed that a "small number" of British troops were deployed in Israel as part of a US-led mission which is monitoring the Gaza ceasefire.

"A small number of UK planning officers have embedded in the US led CMCC, Civil Military Coordination Centre," the MoD said in a statement sent to AFP, including one who will serve as a deputy commander of the operation.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain will play an "anchor role" in the efforts at the request of the United States.

"We can contribute to monitoring the ceasefire," Healey said at an event in central London on Monday.

"We`ve also, in response to the American request, put a first-rate, two-star officer into the civilian and military command as a deputy commander. So, Britain will play an anchor role."

The confirmation came as US Vice President JD Vance opened the joint US-Israeli coordination centre in southwest Israel.

There have been tensions over the implementation of the ceasefire, with Hamas saying it needs time and technical assistance to find the remaining dead Israeli hostages under the rubble of the Gaza Strip.