US Vice President JD Vance has expressed optimism regarding the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating it is proceeding “better than I expected.” This comment came during his visit to a new collaboration center in Israel focused on civilian and military cooperation. Despite acknowledging recent flare-ups of violence, Vance’s remarks reflect a cautious hope following two years of intense conflict.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, Vance emphasized the need for patience as both sides transition from warfare to a peacetime stance. The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, 2023, has faced challenges, including accusations of violations and ongoing tensions. Nonetheless, both Israel and Hamas have reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement.
Steve Witkoff, a US envoy, described the situation as exceeding initial expectations, highlighting the complexity of moving from war to peace. Vance, in his first official visit to Israel as vice president, sought to downplay suggestions that his trip was hastily arranged due to recent violence. “My visit had nothing to do with the events of the past 48 hours,” he stated.
As Vance continues his discussions in the region, he faces critical questions regarding the future governance of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The Vice President warned that failure to cooperate could result in dire consequences for the group, stating they would be “obliterated” if necessary.
Hostage Recovery and International Efforts
The issue of hostages remains a sensitive topic, as Hamas announced the recovery of the remains of two Israeli hostages, with plans to return them on Tuesday evening. Vance called for “a little bit of patience” regarding the returns, acknowledging the challenges posed by the recovery efforts. “Some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble,” he explained.
In discussions about future international involvement, Vance stressed that US troops would not be deployed on the ground in Gaza. Instead, he mentioned that the focus is now on conceptualizing what an international security force could look like for the territory.
Egypt’s intelligence chief, Major General Hassan Rashad, also engaged in discussions aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the ceasefire. Meetings with Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and Witkoff, are part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
The evolving situation in Gaza underscores the complexities of establishing lasting peace. As both sides navigate this delicate transition, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings an end to the conflict once and for all.
