The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza, even as the region grapples with severe humanitarian challenges and political uncertainty. During a high-level visit to Israel, US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the path ahead remains “very, very tough” — requiring both security guarantees for Israel and a sustainable peace and recovery plan for Gaza.

“We have a very, very tough task ahead of us — to disarm Hamas, to rebuild Gaza, to make life better for the people of Gaza, and to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel,” Vance said during talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

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US-Led Effort to Monitor Ceasefire and Aid Flow

Vance’s visit, part of a broader diplomatic mission to advance the US-brokered ceasefire plan, included the inauguration of the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in southwest Israel. The center will serve as the operational hub for coordinating aid deliveries and monitoring ceasefire compliance between US, Israeli, and allied troops.

The 20-point peace framework, championed by President Donald Trump, envisions an international security force to stabilize Gaza during Israel’s gradual withdrawal. While American troops will not be deployed inside Gaza, they will coordinate logistics and oversight from Kiryat Gat in southern Israel.

Reports that Turkey could contribute troops to the peacekeeping mission have caused unease within Israel. Netanyahu, responding pointedly, said that such decisions would be made jointly with Washington:

“I have very strong opinions about that. You want to guess what they are?” the Israeli leader remarked.

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‘Great Optimism’ Despite Setbacks

Despite a flare-up of violence earlier in the week — when two Israeli soldiers were killed and Israel retaliated with air strikes that left at least 45 Palestinians dead — Vance expressed confidence that the truce would hold.

“There is great optimism that this ceasefire will continue and pave the way for rebuilding Gaza,” he said.

Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, joined Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, for breakfast before holding a joint press conference. Netanyahu defended his decision to support the US-backed ceasefire, countering criticism from political rivals who argue that Hamas has not been fully eliminated.

“We’ve managed to put the knife up to Hamas’s throat militarily while isolating it diplomatically,” Netanyahu said. “President Trump’s efforts have been crucial in securing both military and political outcomes.”

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Ceasefire as a Bridge to Regional Peace

Vance praised the ceasefire as a “critical step” toward expanding the Abraham Accords, the normalization initiative connecting Israel with its Arab neighbors.

“This agreement is not just about ending a war,” he said. “It’s about unlocking lasting peace across the Middle East.”

Still, both US and Israeli officials caution that the situation remains “very, very fragile.”

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Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Even with the ceasefire in place, Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains dire. Food, medicine, and shelter are in short supply. According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), supplies entering the enclave are still far below the daily target needed to sustain its population.

“The war has stopped, and there are no bombs like before,” said Imran Skeik, a displaced resident living in a tent in Al-Saraya Square. “But we’re still suffering. We’re in tents — another kind of hardship.”

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,229 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry — figures considered credible by the United Nations. The assault also left 1,221 Israelis dead, most of them civilians.

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Hostage Remains and Continuing Tensions

The Israeli military confirmed the identification of two additional hostages, Aryeh Zalmanovich (85) and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar (38), whose remains were returned earlier this week. Hamas has so far released 15 of the 28 bodies it pledged to return under the ceasefire terms, though it claims ongoing search efforts are hampered by widespread devastation.

Israel’s continued air strikes in response to isolated attacks have underscored the fragile nature of the truce. Still, the US and its allies are determined to push forward with Gaza’s disarmament, reconstruction, and reintegration into a broader regional framework.

“This is not just about ending a conflict,” Vance stressed. “It’s about ensuring a future where Gaza thrives — and terrorism never rises again.”