US Vice President JD Vance and a delegation of envoys showed cautious optimism on Tuesday regarding the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, describing the progress as “better than expected” despite persistent challenges. During his visit to Israel, Vance acknowledged sporadic incidents of violence in recent days but emphasized that the ceasefire, initiated on October 10, has held up better than initially foreseen.
Vance remarked that the situation was progressing more positively than anticipated, while acknowledging the need for both sides to exercise restraint to prevent any potential shifts. US officials accompanying Vance indicated that the upcoming weeks would be crucial in testing the durability of the ceasefire, focusing on priorities such as Hamas disarmament, humanitarian aid distribution, and the commencement of reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
In a press conference in Kiryat Gat, Vance issued a warning to Hamas, stating that failure to cooperate could lead to the group being “obliterated.” Despite recognizing the complexity of the truce, Jared Kushner, a key figure in its development, highlighted the transition from intense conflict to peacetime for both parties.
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, expressed optimism, stating that progress had surpassed initial expectations. Vance is slated to meet with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Witkoff and Kushner already in Israel before Vance’s arrival.
While US officials praised the advancements, Israeli politics witnessed a significant development as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed his national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, without providing a reason. Reports suggested that Hanegbi’s previous disagreements with Netanyahu over Gaza operations and a failed airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders led to his removal.