View source for Multinational Force and Observers

{{Short description|Peacekeeping force}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Multinational Joint Task Force
| image = Flag of the Multinational Force and Observers.svg
| caption = MFO Flag
| countries = See ''[[#Contributing states|Contributing states]]''
| allegiance= US-Egyptian-Israeli-backed peacekeeping force
| type = [[Multinational force]]
| branch = 
| start_date= August 3, 1981
| specialization = [[Combined operations]]
| command structure = 
| size = 
| current_commander = Major General [[Michael Garraway]] (AUS)<ref>{{cite web |title=MFO Salutes its New Force Commander |url=https://mfo.org/news/mfo-salutes-its-new-force-commander |website=MFO.org |access-date=10 April 2023}}</ref>
| ceremonial chief = 
| nickname = MFO
| motto = 
| colors = 
| march = 
| mascot = 
| battles =
| notable_commanders = 
| anniversaries = 
| website = http://mfo.org/en
| battle honours = 
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol_label =
| identification_symbol_2 =
| identification_symbol_2_label =
}}
The '''Multinational Force and Observers''' ('''MFO''') is an international [[peacekeeping]] force overseeing the terms of the peace treaty between [[Egypt]] and [[Israel]]. The MFO generally operates in and around the [[Sinai peninsula]], ensuring free navigation through the [[Straits of Tiran]] and the [[Gulf of Aqaba]], and compliance with the other terms of the [[Egypt–Israel peace treaty]].

==Background==
[[File:MFO Twin Otter.JPG|thumb|French Air Force [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|Twin Otter]] on the El Gorah Flight Line in 1989]]
[[File:MFO3.JPG|thumb|A Colombian soldier hosts a Canadian helicopter pilot in 1989. The Colombian is wearing the distinctive [[Terra cotta (color)|terracotta]] - colored beret that is unique to the MFO.]]
[[File:MFO CH-135.JPG|thumb|Canadian CH135 Twin Huey helicopter and an MFO Observer wearing the distinctive orange uniform used in 1989]]
[[File:MFO8.JPG|thumb|MFO water meter and Fijian barracks. Water is always in short supply in the Sinai]]
[[File:MFOSlingloading.JPG|thumb|US Army soldiers from 1-125 Infantry slingloading supplies in 2004]]
[[File:311mountains.JPG|thumb|Physical training track at OP (observation point) 3-11 on [[Tiran Island]] in the Red Sea. The island is surrounded by functional and non functional land mines.]]
[[File:MFO USBATT Soldier wearing stetson hat 2004.jpg|thumb|A USBATT MFO soldier wearing the authorized orange stetson hat identifying him as an MFO peace keeper in front of South Camp's USBATT Headquarters in [[Sharm El Sheikh]].]]
[[File:OP3-11 The Rock 2004.jpg|thumb|A hill outside the landing zone on Tiran (OP 3-11) island. MFO soldiers nicknamed OP 3-11 "The Rock" after the US prison movie due to its supposedly similar qualities.]]
[[File:MFOship.jpg|thumb|The Italian patrol boat ''Vedetta'', an [[Esploratore-class patrol boat|''Esploratore''-class patrol boat]]. The ships of the Coastal Patrol Unit serve as mobile observation posts within the Gulf of Aqaba.]]
[[File:MFOMemorialArch.JPG|thumb|The Memorial Arch. Built near the Force Headquarters at North Camp the Arch includes plaques with the names of all peacekeepers who have died while serving in the MFO.]]
[[File:Mfo car israel.jpg|thumb|A car with an Israeli MFO license plate.]]

On September 17, 1978, the [[Camp David Accords]] were signed by Israeli Prime Minister [[Menachem Begin]] and Egyptian President [[Anwar Sadat]] under the sponsorship of United States President [[Jimmy Carter]]. The accords provided for a full Israeli withdrawal from Sinai.

Following the signing of the [[Egypt–Israel peace treaty]] on March 26, 1979, the [[United Nations]] was asked to provide the peacekeeping forces for the Sinai Peninsula mandated in the treaty. The terms of the treaty required the presence of international peacekeepers to ensure that both Israel and Egypt kept to the provisions regarding military build-up along the border.<ref name="10TAGpgA-1">10 Tactical Air Group: ''Canadian Contingent Multinational Force and Observers Handbook'' (unclassified), page A-1. DND, Ottawa, 1986.</ref>

Initially, the peacekeeping force was provided by the U.S. [[Sinai Field Mission]], while efforts were made to create a UN force.

On May 18, 1981, the President of the [[UN Security Council]] indicated that the UN would be unable to provide the force, due to the threat of a veto of the motion by the [[USSR]] at the request of [[Syria]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoagl |first=Jim |date=May 24, 1979 |title=U.N. Peacekeeping Unit Won't Police Israeli Sinai Withdrawal |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/05/24/un-peacekeeping-unit-wont-police-israeli-sinai-withdrawal/18390f04-c8f0-4ad0-b7a5-15ccab30e891/}}</ref>

As a result of the UN Security Council impasse, Egypt, Israel and the United States opened negotiations to set up a peacekeeping organization outside the framework of the UN. On August 3, 1981, the Protocol to the Treaty of Peace was signed, establishing the Multinational Force and Observers.<ref name="10TAGpgA-1"/>

From 2012 to 2016, the MFO's North Camp was under threat from [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Sinai Province]] attacks and also "experienced periods of water and fuel shortages, and a near-total cut-off of internet access and mobile and landline phones during persistent Egyptian military operations."<ref name="AC">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/rebalancing-international-forces-to-safely-carry-out-their-mission-in-egypt-s-sinai|title=Rebalancing International Forces to Safely Carry out Their Mission in Egypt's Sinai|first=Zack|last=Gold|publisher=[[Atlantic Council]]|date=April 13, 2016}}</ref> By September 2016, the MFO's northern camp was reorganized, with duties not related to observer responsibilities allocated to the south.<ref name="AC"/> 75 US soldiers were deployed with new communications equipment to bolster the MFO's manpower.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-us-sinai-20160423-story.html|title=U.S. shifts troops in the Sinai Peninsula after attacks by militants|first=W. J.|last=Hennigan|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=23 April 2016|access-date=19 September 2018}}</ref> The camps are reinforced with smart fences, more surveillance cameras and optics.

==Mission==
The mission of the MFO is:
<blockquote>"... to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian–Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent any violation of its terms."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfo.org/2/homepage.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060816032257/http://www.mfo.org/2/homepage.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-08-16|title=MFO - Multinational Force and Observers|date=16 August 2006|access-date=19 September 2018}}</ref></blockquote>

This is accomplished by carrying out four tasks:

* Operating checkpoints and observation posts and conducting reconnaissance patrols of the international border and Zone C,
* Verifying not less than twice a month that the terms of the peace treaty are being implemented,
* Verifying peace treaty compliance within 48 hours of a request by either party,
* Ensuring freedom of international marine navigation in the [[Strait of Tiran]] and access to the [[Gulf of Aqaba]]

Over the four decades that the MFO has carried out its mission, it has proven a highly successful force. The desire for peace on the part of both Egypt and Israel, combined with the effectiveness of the MFO, has resulted in a durable and lasting state of peace between these two nations.<ref>Canadian Contingent Multinational Force and Observers Handbook, 10 Tactical Air Group, July 1987 (unclassified) pg D-1</ref>

==Organization==
The MFO has its main headquarters in [[Rome]], where it is headed by the ''Director-General''. It also has two regional offices, in [[Tel Aviv]] and [[Cairo]], while the Force itself is based in Zone C on the Sinai Peninsula, under the command of the ''Force Commander''.

The Force Commander is responsible for the military elements of the MFO, which comprise:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.gov.au/OpMazurka/History.asp#Organisation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710124258/http://www.army.gov.au/OpMazurka/History.asp#Organisation |archive-date=2009-07-10  | title=History - Op Mazurka - ARMY }}</ref>
*Headquarters
*Three [[infantry]] battalions (FIJIBATT, COLBATT and USBATT)
*1st US Support Battalion (Formerly the Logistical Support Unit)
*Coastal Patrol Unit (CPU)
*Rotary Wing Aviation Unit (AVCO)
*Fixed Wing Aviation Unit (FWAU)
*Transport and Engineering Unit (TREU)
*[[Military Police]] Unit (FMPU)
*Flight Following (Air Traffic control) Unit

The Observer contingent of the MFO is made up entirely of US civilians.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/a243563.html | title=GAO-04-883, Peacekeeping: Multinational Force and Observers Maintaining Accountability, but State Department Oversight Could be Improved }}</ref> The observers are either seconded from the US State Department or retired US military personnel.

==Contributing states==
As of December 2024, 15 states are contributing troops.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! State
! Strength<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contingents |url=https://mfo.org/contingents |publisher=MFO |access-date=26 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flag|Albania}}
| style= " text-align:right" | 3
|-
| {{Flag|Australia}}
| style="text-align:right" | 29
|-
| {{Flag|Canada}}
| style="text-align:right" | 39
|-
| {{Flag|Colombia}}
| style="text-align:right" | 275
|-
| {{Flag|Czech Republic}}
| style="text-align:right" | 17
|-
| {{Flag|Fiji}}
| style="text-align:right" | 170
|-
| {{Flag|France}}
| style="text-align:right" | 1
|-
| {{Flag|Italy}}
| style="text-align:right" | 78
|-
| {{Flag|Japan}}
| style="text-align:right" | 4
|-
| {{Flag|New Zealand}}
| style="text-align:right" | 28
|-
| {{Flag|Norway}}
| style="text-align:right" | 3
|-
| {{Flag|Serbia}}
| style="text-align:right" |10
|-
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| style="text-align:right" | 2
|-
| {{Flag|United States}}<br>([[Task Force Sinai]])
| style="text-align:right" | 465
|-
| {{Flag|Uruguay}}
| style="text-align:right" |41
|-
! style="text-align:right" | Total troops:
! style="text-align:right" | 1,165
|}

==Chronology==

;April 1983
Colonel [[Sitiveni Rabuka]] was appointed as Commanding Officer of the [[Republic of Fiji Military Forces|Fijian MFO contingent]]. After serving a two-year posting in the Sinai Colonel Rabuka returned to Fiji in 1985 to plan and stage a bloodless military [[1987 Fijian coups d'état|coup]] which toppled the elected Fijian government on 14 May 1987.<ref>{{cite web |last=Appelbaum |first=Diana Muir |date=August 27, 2012 |title=How the Sinai Peacekeeping Force Staged a Military Coup in Fiji |url=http://www.jewishideasdaily.com/4867/features/how-the-sinai-peacekeeping-force-staged-a-military-coup-in-fiji/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110122829/http://www.jewishideasdaily.com/4867/features/how-the-sinai-peacekeeping-force-staged-a-military-coup-in-fiji/ |archive-date=10 January 2016 |access-date=22 January 2016 |website=Jewish Ideas Daily}}</ref>

;February 1984
MFO Director-General [[Leamon Hunt]] was [[assassinated]] in [[Rome]], Italy, while sitting in his chauffeur-driven armored car, outside the gates of his private residence. The assassins poured automatic weapon fire into the reinforced rear window until they were able to penetrate the glass and strike the director-general in the head. Responsibility for the assassination was claimed by [[Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Faction]] and the [[Red Brigade]].<ref>Associated Press (February 16, 1984). "[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bCovAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sNwFAAAAIBAJ&dq=leamon-hunt&pg=3896%2C5185251 Red Brigade claims assassination of Hunt]". Kentucky New Era. p. 5A. Retrieved May 1, 2013.</ref>

;March 1985
Due to the imminent end of the four-year Australian MFO commitment in April 1986, the governments of Israel, Egypt, and the United States invited [[Canada]] to provide a contingent. Canada agreed to replace Australia in the MFO and to supply a helicopter squadron, staff officers and a flight-following section of [[air traffic controller]]s totalling 136 military personnel. The Canadian Contingent (CCMFO) was brought on strength of the [[Canadian Forces]] on September 26, 1985.<ref>Canadian Contingent Multinational Force and Observers Handbook, 10 Tactical Air Group, July 1987 (unclassified) pg 1</ref>

;December 1985
{{main|Arrow Air Flight 1285}}
On December 12, 1985, a chartered [[Arrow Air]] [[DC-8]] with 248 returning members of the U.S. [[101st Airborne Division]] and eight flight crew crashed into the cold, damp landscape at the end of runway 22 at [[Gander International Airport]] in [[Gander, Newfoundland]], with no survivors. The 101st was rotating home from a tour of duty with the MFO. The accepted theory is that the crash was caused by ice accumulation on the leading surfaces of the wings, but debate and speculation still rages that the crash may have resulted from some type of incendiary device placed on the plane.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://fas.org/irp/congress/1989_cr/h890720-gander.htm|title= Congressional Record|access-date= December 30, 2022|work= fas.org|date= July 20, 1989|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20000306030952/https://fas.org/irp/congress/1989_cr/h890720-gander.htm|archive-date= 6 March 2000|url-status= live}}</ref>

;April 1986
The Australian contingent, consisting of staff officers and a helicopter squadron who were members of the initial deployment, withdrew in the course of their government's reduction of its peacekeeping commitments. They were replaced by the CCMFO Canadian Rotary Wing Aviation Unit, equipped with nine [[UH-1N Twin Huey|CH135 Twin Hueys]], staff officers and flight following. The CCMFO was operational at El Gorah on March 31, 1986. Canadian tactical helicopter units rotated to El Gorah for six-month tours of duty. The primary units providing military personnel were [[No. 408 Squadron RCAF|408]], [[427 Squadron|427]] and 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadrons and [[403 Squadron Helicopter Operational Training Squadron]].<ref>Canadian Contingent Multinational Force and Observers Handbook, 10 Tactical Air Group, July 1987 (unclassified) pg 1 and A-4</ref>

;January 1993 
The Australians, who had been replaced by a British contingent, returned to the mission, and the British contingent withdrew.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.peacekeepers.asn.au/operations/gazettes/S27-97%20ASM%20SINAI.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424164233/http://www.peacekeepers.asn.au/operations/gazettes/S27-97%20ASM%20SINAI.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Australian Commonwealth of Australia Gazette S27 establishing Operation Mazurka Australia's contribution to MFO Sinai|archive-date=April 24, 2013}}</ref> Lieutenant Colonel [[Martin Hamilton-Smith]] was the first contingent commander of the returning Australians. He went on to become a South Australian politician after his military career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.parliament.sa.gov.au/internet/desktopmodules/memberdrill.aspx?pid=631|title=Profile: Hon Martin Hamilton-Smith|access-date=22 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116045117/http://www2.parliament.sa.gov.au/Internet/DesktopModules/memberdrill.aspx?pid=631|archive-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>

;August 1994
Australian MFO contingent members were involved in a hit-and-run accident that they failed to report. The incident<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Completed%20inquiries/2004-07/miljustice/submissions/sublist|title=Submissions received by the committee as at 21/02/05|access-date=22 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128014758/http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Completed%20inquiries/2004-07/miljustice/submissions/sublist|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McPhedran |first=Ian |date=April 13, 2011 |title=Fighting a culture of cover-ups |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/former-sergeant-fighting-a-culture-of-cover-ups/news-story/3e8a58da3e477c95b3cfa46f8b18927b |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731131738/http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/former-sergeant-fighting-a-culture-of-cover-ups/story-e6frea6u-1226038814047 |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |website=Adelaide Now}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cover up forced soldier to quit |url=http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/04/15/toowoomba-david-hartshorn-cover-up-defence-force/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318165001/http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/04/15/toowoomba-david-hartshorn-cover-up-defence-force/ |archive-date=18 March 2012 |access-date=22 January 2016 |work=Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dodd |first=Mark |date=March 9, 2012 |title=Haunting silence over fatal hit-and-run |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_MRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fdefence%2Fhaunting-silence-over-fatal-hitandrun%2Fnews-story%2F9e1d67bfef4a99136bafc0b836435fe9&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-groupa-control-noscore&V21spcbehaviour=append |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420180340/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/haunting-silence-over-fatal-hit-and-run/story-e6frg8yo-1226294071540 |archive-date=20 April 2012 |access-date=22 January 2016 |work=The Australian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davies |first=Adam |date=12 March 2012 |title=Whistleblower waits for apology |url=http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2012/03/12/whistleblower-waits-for-apology-toowoomba/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313080906/http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2012/03/12/whistleblower-waits-for-apology-toowoomba/ |archive-date=13 March 2012 |access-date=22 January 2016 |work=Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Cumming |first=Stuart |date=25 September 2013 |title=Cairo hit-and-run inspires dedicated paramedic |url=http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/memories-of-a-hit-and-run-in-the-streets-of-cairo-/2030518/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130113619/http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/memories-of-a-hit-and-run-in-the-streets-of-cairo-/2030518/ |archive-date=30 January 2016 |access-date=22 January 2016 |work=Chronicle}}</ref> came to light when one of the vehicle passengers, army Staff Sergeant David Hartshorn, reported it after he had been returned to Australia. [[Prima facie]] evidence of the incident was established and included in a formal inquiry by the Australian government in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;orderBy=_fragment_number;query=((Dataset%3Acommsen)%20SearchCategory_Phrase%3A%22committees%22)%20ParliamentNumber%3A%2240%22%20Questioner_Phrase%3A%22senator%20chris%20evans%22;rec=11|title=ParlInfo - FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND TRADE REFERENCES COMMITTEE : 22/04/2004 : Effectiveness of Australia's military justice system|access-date=22 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110122830/http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;orderBy=_fragment_number;query=((Dataset%3Acommsen)%20SearchCategory_Phrase%3A%22committees%22)%20ParliamentNumber%3A%2240%22%20Questioner_Phrase%3A%22senator%20chris%20evans%22;rec=11|archive-date=10 January 2016}}</ref> In an article by News Limited Network journalist [[Ian McPhedran]] on 30 August 2012, former Staff Sergeant David Hartshorn has received an apology from former Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General [[David Morrison]] and Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force Mr Geoff Earley for being ordered not to report the hit and run accident.<ref>{{cite news |last=McPhedran |first=Ian |author-link=Ian McPhedran |date=30 August 2012 |title=Army sorry over the cover-up of a hit-and-run in which the victim was 'only an Arab' |website=News.com.au |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/army-sorry-over-the-cover-up-of-a-hit-and-run-victim-who-was-only-an-arab/story-fndo4eg9-1226461036050 |access-date=22 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206133031/http://www.news.com.au/national/army-sorry-over-the-cover-up-of-a-hit-and-run-victim-who-was-only-an-arab/story-fndo4eg9-1226461036050 |archive-date=6 February 2016}}</ref>

;January 2002
The [[2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment (United States)|2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment]] of the [[Arkansas National Guard]] become the first National Guard unit to deploy to Task Force Sinai as part of [[Operation Noble Eagle]]. They relieved the [[2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment|2-87th Infantry]] of the [[10th Mountain Division]] based at [[Fort Drum]], NY.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Global Security.Org|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/2-153in.htm|title=2-153rd Infantry Battalion "Gunslinger"|access-date=January 12, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904162531/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/2-153in.htm|archive-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref>

;May 2007
A [[French Air Force]] [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter]] aircraft on duty with the MFO Fixed Wing Aviation Unit crashed in the middle of the peninsula, {{convert|80|km}} south of the town of [[Nekhel|Nakhl]]. All passengers and crew were serving members of the MFO, eight French and one Canadian, and all were killed. The aircraft reported trouble with one engine and was attempting an emergency landing on a highway when it struck a truck. It crashed and exploded moments later. The driver of the truck escaped unharmed.<ref name="CBC06May07">{{cite news |date=May 2007 |title=Quebecer among peacekeepers killed in Sinai plane crash |publisher=[[CBC News]] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/quebecer-among-peacekeepers-killed-in-sinai-plane-crash-1.663229 |url-status=live |access-date=July 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623181116/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/quebecer-among-peacekeepers-killed-in-sinai-plane-crash-1.663229 |archive-date=23 June 2008}}</ref>

;September 2012
Dozens of armed militants attacked North Camp on Friday 14 September 2012, breaking down a wall of the facility housing the MFO headquarters, setting fire to vehicles and facilities. MFO soldiers defended the base and there was an exchange of fire. Four MFO members were reportedly wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/gunmen-attack-sinai-headquarters-of-mfo-peacekeeping-force-several-reported-killed/|title=Gunmen attack Sinai HQ of MFO peacekeeping force, four injured|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=22 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129091622/http://www.timesofisrael.com/gunmen-attack-sinai-headquarters-of-mfo-peacekeeping-force-several-reported-killed/|archive-date=29 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schenker |first=David |date=24 May 2013 |title=Chaos in the Sinai: Will International Peacekeepers Be the Next Casualty? |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/chaos-sinai-will-international-peacekeepers-be-next-casualty |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=The Washington Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/aust-to-provide-15m-for-sinai-mission-20130410-2hllz.html|title=Aust to provide $1.5m for Sinai mission|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=April 10, 2013|access-date=22 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412233503/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/aust-to-provide-15m-for-sinai-mission-20130410-2hllz.html|archive-date=12 April 2013}}</ref>

;October 2013
Parts of the MFO view cutbacks of the military aid from United States to Egypt as negative for the stability in Sinai, as the military government had hit militants hard.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |title='Israel bluntly told the US not to cut aid to Egypt' |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-bluntly-told-the-us-not-to-cut-aid-to-egypt/ |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref><!-- link has no official Israeli opinion -->

;March 2014
MFO held a swearing-in ceremony to welcome the new Force Commander of MFO, Major-General Denis Thompson of [[Canada]], formerly the Commander of [[Canadian Special Operations Forces Command|CANSOFCOM]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-denis-thompson-leads-sinai-peacekeeping-force-1.2558925 |title=Canadian Denis Thompson leads Sinai peacekeeping force |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=4 March 2014 |access-date=4 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202521/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-denis-thompson-leads-sinai-peacekeeping-force-1.2558925 |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref>

;March 2015
The Canadian contingent added 30 Canadian military police officers as part of the MFO Military Police Unit. This commitment lasted four years, until March 2019.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=25 April 2019 |title=Canada renews military commitment to Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canada-renews-military-commitment-to-multinational-force-and-observers-in-the-sinai |access-date=26 April 2019 |website=Ottawa Citizen}}</ref>

;April 2015
	
The Hungarian contingent withdrew from the Sinai, wrapping up their 20-year mission.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dailynewshungary.com/hungary-peace-keepers-wind-up-20-year-mission-in-sinai/ | title=Hungary peace-keepers wind up 20-year mission in Sinai | date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref>

;February 2016

[[9 Parachute Squadron RE]] of the [[British Army]] deployed from February to April 2016<ref name="Branta">{{cite web |url=https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/20841255.norwich-army-officer-david-stead-recognised-life-saving-work-fight-daesh/|title=Norwich army officer David Stead recognised for life saving work in fight against Da'esh |website=Eastern Daily Press |last=Gilbert |first=Dominic |date=26 April 2017 |access-date=23 February 2024}}</ref> under Operation Branta.<ref>{{cite letter |author=MOD Operations Directorate |recipient=Redacted |subject=FOI2016/07417 |date=25 August 2016 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a80161440f0b623026916d6/FOI2016-07417_-_Op_Catan_Op_Branta_and_Op_Tramail.pdf |location=United Kingdom |publisher=MOD |access-date=23 February 2024}}</ref> The Engineer Squadron improved the force protection infrastructure of the camp, including the construction of 16km of defensive walls.<ref name="Branta"/>

;March 2017
Australian Major General [[Simon Stuart (general)|Simon Stuart]] assumes command of the MFO, replacing Major-General Denis Thompson from Canada.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2017/03/major-general_denisthompsonendstourasmfoforcecommanderinsinai.html | title=Major-General Denis Thompson ends tour as MFO Force Commander in Sinai | date=March 2017 }}</ref>

;February 2019
A visit was made to the MFO by Kentaro Sonoura, Special Advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Abe, as part of considering contributing [[JSDF]] personnel to the MFO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mfo.org/en/news/article/japan-considering-mfo-request-for-personnel|title=MFO - the Multinational Force & Observers|website=mfo.org|access-date=12 February 2019}}</ref>

;March 2019
The Canadian contingent completed four years of support with the Military Police Unit, including commending that unit. The Canadian commitment switched to providing 55 Canadian Forces personnel as senior advisors, headquarters staff, as well as experts in remote observation, logistics support, military engineering, policing and training.<ref name="auto"/>

;April 2019
The JSDF has dispatched personnel to the MFO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/commendation_major_general_simon_stuart.html|title = Chief of Staff Commendation Award presented to Major General Simon Stuart}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/fp/ipc/page25e_000364.html|title = Revision of the Implementation Plan for the International Peace Cooperation Assignments in Sinai Peninsula}}</ref>

;November 2020
Seven MFO members (five U.S., one Czech, and one French) died in an MFO [[UH-60 Black Hawk]] helicopter crash near [[Sharm El Sheikh]]. An American peacekeeper was wounded in the crash and evacuated by Israeli search and rescue soldiers from Air Force Unit 669 to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kershner |first1=Isabel |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |date=2020-11-12 |title=Helicopter Crash Kills 7 Peacekeepers From Multinational Force in Sinai |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/12/world/middleeast/sinai-peacekeepers-crash.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2020-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104150815/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/12/world/middleeast/sinai-peacekeepers-crash.html |archive-date=4 November 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Federman |first=Josef |date=14 November 2020 |title=5 US soldiers among 7 peacekeepers killed in Sinai helicopter crash |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/11/12/officials-americans-among-7-peacekeepers-killed-in-sinai-helicopter-crash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113124011/https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/11/12/officials-americans-among-7-peacekeepers-killed-in-sinai-helicopter-crash/ |archive-date=13 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=[[Military Times]]}}</ref>

==Sinai peacekeeping zones==
[[File:Sinai MFO.PNG|thumb|The Sinai Peninsula]]
Article 2 of Annex I of the Peace Treaty called for the Sinai Peninsula to be divided into zones. Within these zones, Egypt and Israel were permitted varying degrees of military buildup:
* Zone A: Between the [[Suez Canal]] and '''Line A'''. Egypt is permitted a mechanized infantry division with a total of 22,000 troops in Zone A.
* Zone B: Between '''Line A''' and '''Line B'''. Egypt is permitted four border security battalions to support the civilian police in Zone B.
* Zone C: Between '''Line B''' and the Egypt–Israel border. Only the MFO and the Egyptian civilian police are permitted within Zone C, except for a coastal strip along the border of the [[Gaza Strip]] (the so-called [[Philadelphi Corridor]], which is the Gaza part of Zone D) corresponding to a rectangle of approximately 14 kilometers wide by 20 kilometers along the Mediterranean.<ref name="wa">{{cite news |last1=Neuman |first1=Brooke |title=A New Reality on the Egypt-Gaza Border (Part I): Contents of the New Israel-Egypt Agreement |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/new-reality-egypt-gaza-border-part-i-contents-new-israel-egypt-agreement |access-date=29 April 2024 |date=15 September 2005}}</ref> In this area, a designated force of Egyptian Border Guards is present pursuant to an agreement between Egypt and Israel in September 2005, before the withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip on 12 September 2005, in which Egypt was tasked with the border patrol of the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=MFO - Our Mission |url=https://mfo.org/our-mission |website=Mfo.org |access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="wa"/>
* Zone D: Between the Egypt–Israel border and '''Line D'''. Israel is permitted four infantry battalions in Zone D.

Within Zone C there are two main installations:
* North Camp is at [[El Gorah]], 37&nbsp;km southeast of [[El Arish]] and is the location of the military Force HQ.
* South Camp is located between the towns of [[Sharm El Sheikh]] and [[Naama Bay]].

In addition there are thirty smaller sites at various points within Zone C. One remote observation post (OP 3-11) is located offshore on [[Tiran Island]], requiring resupply by air or sea.

===Zone C===
Zone C is subdivided into sectors, each controlled by a Sector Control Center. The sectors are numbered from north to south, with an infantry battalion assigned to a pair of consecutively numbered sectors:

* Sectors 1 and 2 – FijiBatt
* Sectors 3 and 4 – ColBatt
* Sectors 5 and 7 – USBatt (The 3 original sectors were reorganized into 2 sectors)<ref>Canadian Contingent Multinational Force and Observers Handbook, 10 Tactical Air Group, July 1987 (unclassified) A-4 and A-5</ref>

==Badges==
<gallery> 
File:MFORWAUbadge.jpg|Badge worn by members of the Canadian Contingent Rotary Wing Aviation Unit 1989–90
File:1SupportBattalion.JPG|Souvenir patch for members of the 1st Support Battalion.
</gallery>

==Life in the Sinai==

Maintaining a good quality of life for MFO members in the Sinai is difficult, due to the remoteness and desolation of the region as well as more recent security concerns. Gym facilities, clubs, medical facilities, libraries and exchanges are provided at both North Camp and South Camp.<ref name="Peace 1999, Page 25">Servants of Peace, Office of Personnel and Publications, Multinational Force and Observers, June 1999, Rome. Page 25</ref> In addition, North Camp possesses a pool while South Camp boasts Herb's Beach, a section of the Red Sea coastline where it is possible to snorkel just a few feet into the water and see a variety of tropical fish.

The Force has its own magazine, the bimonthly and bilingual ''Sandpaper''. Published in English and Spanish it is produced by the Press and Visits Office.<ref>Sandpaper, Apollo Publishing, Cairo, Sept/Oct/Nov 2007. Page 3</ref>
Sporting events are held at both camps. Members are encouraged to take visits to Israel and Egypt, usually in organized trips. There are also trips to Mount Sinai, Luxor, Cairo, Jerusalem, and other sites within Egypt and Israel. A television and radio system also service North Camp and South Camp.<ref name="Peace 1999, Page 25"/>

There are venues for live shows at both camps and the U.S. organization [[Armed Forces Entertainment]] provides a variety of bands, dancers and other acts to keep the troops entertained.

At remote observation sites, which might house only a dozen peacekeepers, the quality of life is harder to maintain. During tours at remote sites peacekeepers have limited access to the internet, are provided with workout equipment, and are permitted to have pets. Pets are not allowed at the main camps, even though a veterinarian is available to maintain the health of the animals, which are almost always dogs.

After the original inception of the MFO, routine travel to [[al-Arish]], [[Sharm El Sheikh]] and a beach facility near the [[Gaza Strip]] were restful getaways but recent security concerns over possible [[Hamas]] activity has changed that. Similarly, a bicycle competition known as the ''Tour de Sinai'' which had begun in 1985 had gone by the wayside in recent years.<ref>Sandpaper, Apollo Publishing, Cairo, Special Edition, June 2007. Page 20</ref>

==Force Commanders==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:left;"
|-
! No. !! Name !! Nationality!! From !! To
|-
|1
|Lieutenant General Frederick Bull-Hansen<ref name="MFO - NOR"/>
|{{flag|Norway}}
|1982
|1984
|-
|2
|Lieutenant General Egil Ingebrigsten<ref name="MFO - NOR"/>
|{{flag|Norway}}
|1984
|March 1989
|-
|3
|Lieutenant General [[Don McIver|Donald McIver]]<ref name="MFO - NZ"/>
|{{flag|New Zealand}}
|March 1989
|March 1991
|-
|4
|Lieutenant General J.W.C. van Ginkel<ref>{{cite web |title=Multinational Force and Observers (MFO): the Dutch contribution |url=https://english.defensie.nl/topics/historical-missions/mission-overview/1982/multinational-force-and-observers-mfo/dutch-contribution |website=Ministry of Defence |date=September 12, 2017 |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|Netherlands}}
|11 April 1991
|21 April 1994
|-
|5
|Major General David Ferguson<ref name="MFO - AUS"/>
|{{flag|Australia}}
|21 April 1994
|10 April 1997
|-
|6
|Major General Tryggve Tellefsen<ref name="MFO - NOR"/>
|{{flag|Norway}}
|1997
|March 2001
|-
|7
|Major General Robert Meating<ref name="MFO - CAN">{{cite web |title=Canada |url=https://mfo.org/contingents?id=CAN |website=Multinational Observer Force |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|Canada}}
|March 2001
|March 2004
|-
|8
|Major General Roberto Martinelli<ref name="MFO - ITA">{{cite web |title=Italy |url=https://mfo.org/contingents?id=ITA |website=Multinational Observer Force |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|Italy}}
|March 2004
|2007
|-
|9
|Major General Kjell Ludvigsen<ref name="MFO - NOR">{{cite web |title=Norway |url=https://mfo.org/contingents?id=NOR |website=Multinational Observer Force |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|Norway}}
|2007
|March 2010
|-
|10
|Major General Warren Whiting<ref name="MFO - NZ">{{cite web |title=New Zealand |url=https://mfo.org/contingents?id=NZL |website=Multinational Observer Force |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|New Zealand}}
|March 2010
|March 2014
|-
|11
|Major General Denis Thompson<ref>{{cite web |title=Denis Thompson |url=https://thercr.ca/about/personalities/the-colonel-of-the-regiment/ |website=The Colonel of The Regiment |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref><ref name="MFO - CAN"/>
|{{flag|Canada}}
|March 2014
|1 March 2017
|-
|12
|Major General [[Simon Stuart (general)|Simon Stuart]]<ref name="MFO - AUS">{{cite web |title=Australia |url=https://mfo.org/contingents?id=AUS |website=Multinational Observer Force |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|Australia}}
|1 March 2017
|1 December 2019
|-
|13
|Major General Evan Williams<ref name="MFO - NZ"/>
|{{flag|New Zealand}}
|1 December 2019
|5 March 2023
|-
|14
|Major General Pavel Kolář<ref name="MFO - CZE">{{cite web |title=Czech Republic |url=https://mfo.org/contingents?id=CZE |website=Multinational Observer Force |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|Czech Republic}}
|5 March 2023
|25 September 2023
|-
|13*
|Major General Evan Williams<ref name="MFO - NZ"/>
|{{flag|New Zealand}}
|25 September 2023
|17 March 2024
|-
|15
|Major General [[Michael Garraway]]<ref name="MFO - Aus2">{{cite web |title=MFO Force Commander Designate – Major General Michael Garraway |url=https://mfo.org/news/mfo-force-commander-designate-major-general-michael-garraway |website=Multinational Observer Force |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>
|{{flag|Australia}}
|17 March 2024
|''Incumbent''
|}

==See also==
* [[United Nations Emergency Force]] – the [[United Nations]] [[peacekeeping|peacekeeping operation]] stationed in the Sinai after the [[Suez Crisis]] of 1956 to maintain the truce between Egypt and Israel

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Multinational Force and Observers}}
* {{official website|http://www.mfo.org/}}
* [http://mfo-sinai.nl Dutch MFO] (Unofficial)
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042129/https://www.mfo-sinai-southcamp-1982.co.uk/ Life in South Camp first rotation 1982]}} 

{{Egypt–Israel relations}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Multinational Force and Observers| ]]
[[Category:Egypt in the Arab–Israeli conflict]]
[[Category:Military history of Israel]]
[[Category:Arab–Israeli peace process]]
[[Category:Military operations other than war]]
[[Category:Multinational units and formations]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1981]]
[[Category:Egypt–Israel relations]]
[[Category:Sinai Peninsula]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Rome]]