Vance’s visit follows the arrival of two senior White House envoys and is part of the US administration’s broader push to secure a lasting end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Accompanied by his wife, Usha, the vice-president is scheduled to remain in the region until Thursday
US Vice-President JD Vance with wife Usha in Israel. PIC/X
US Vice-President JD Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday in a high-stakes diplomatic mission aimed at stabilizing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, news agency AP reported. The US-brokered truce has shown signs of unravelling in recent days amid renewed violence and uncertainty about the long-term peace process.
Vance’s visit follows the arrival of two senior White House envoys and is part of the US administration’s broader push to secure a lasting end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Accompanied by his wife, Usha, the vice-president is scheduled to remain in the region until Thursday.
While in Israel, Vance will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hold a news conference in Jerusalem, AP reported. He is also expected to meet with families of hostages — both those who were released last week and others whose remains are still believed to be held in Gaza.
Mortal remains of hostage returned amid ceasefire tensions
Israel confirmed on Tuesday that Hamas has returned the body of Tal Haimi, a 42-year-old father of four and member of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak's emergency response team. He was abducted during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.
As part of the ceasefire terms, Hamas has agreed to return the remains of 15 hostages, AP reported. Thirteen bodies, including Haimi’s, have been handed over so far.
Hamas reaffirms commitment to peace deal
Despite sporadic violence, Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, speaking from Cairo, reiterated the group’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement signed at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit. The summit, which was hosted by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and attended by world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, was seen as a landmark moment declaring the Gaza war’s end.
Al-Hayya stated that Hamas had received strong assurances from international mediators and President Trump that reinforced their belief the war was truly over. He urged Israel to step up aid deliveries, particularly in preparation for winter, including shelter materials and medical supplies.
Renewed clashes raise concerns
Despite the ceasefire, violence has continued. On Sunday, two Israeli soldiers were killed in Rafah, in areas under Israeli control. Israel responded with airstrikes that killed 45 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The total Palestinian death toll since the ceasefire began stands at 80.
More clashes were reported Monday in Gaza City and Khan Younis. The Israeli military accused militants of crossing the designated "yellow line" — a buffer zone established as part of the truce — and posing an immediate threat to Israeli troops. In response, Israel is reinforcing the line with concrete barriers and markers.
Qatar and international pressure
Qatar, a key mediator in the ceasefire negotiations, condemned Israel for what it described as repeated violations of the truce. In a speech Tuesday, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and its continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank, while reaffirming Qatar’s role in supporting a peaceful resolution.
Allegations of mistreatment and war crimes
Controversy has erupted over the condition of Palestinian bodies returned by Israel. Gaza’s Health Ministry claims many of the 150 returned bodies show signs of torture — including rope marks, shackles, burns, and crushed limbs. Only 32 of the bodies have been identified so far.
Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, the ministry’s general director, called the alleged abuses “a war crime and a crime against humanity,” and demanded an urgent, independent investigation by the United Nations.
In response, Israel’s Prison Service denied all allegations of mistreatment, asserting that all detainees are held in accordance with legal standards and provided with adequate care.
Israeli hostages recently released from Gaza have also described severe mistreatment, including being shackled, beaten, and deprived of food.
(With AP inputs)
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