Vance Optimistic on Gaza Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Challenges

U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed cautious optimism regarding the fragile ceasefire in Gaza during his visit to Israel on October 10. He acknowledged that while progress has exceeded expectations, significant challenges remain, including disarming Hamas and rebuilding a region scarred by two years of conflict. Despite recent flare-ups of violence, Vance noted that the ceasefire is holding better than anticipated.

Accompanying Vance was Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, who echoed the Vice President’s sentiments, stating, “we are exceeding where we thought we would be at this time.” Their visit to a newly established center for civilian and military cooperation highlighted ongoing discussions about long-term peace strategies, including the deployment of an international security force in Gaza and the governance of the territory post-conflict.

Vance emphasized that his visit was not hastily arranged to maintain the ceasefire, expressing confidence that a lasting peace is achievable. However, he issued a stark warning: if Hamas does not cooperate, it will face severe consequences. Jared Kushner, a key architect of the ceasefire agreement, noted the complexity of transitioning from two years of intense warfare to a peacetime environment.

While in Israel, Vance is scheduled to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. This visit follows Netanyahu’s recent dismissal of national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, reportedly due to disagreements over military strategy in Gaza.

“Once we’ve got to a point where both the Gazans and our Israeli friends can have some measure of security, then we’ll worry about what the long-term governance of Gaza is,”

Vance stated, emphasizing the need for immediate security and humanitarian assistance over governance discussions.

As part of the ongoing hostage situation, the Israeli military confirmed the return of remains of two more hostages from Gaza, bringing the total to 13 since the ceasefire began. Vance urged patience from the Israeli public, noting the complexities involved in recovering hostages, some of whom are buried under rubble.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating, with rising prices for essential goods. International organizations have begun to scale up aid, with the World Food Program reporting that over 530 trucks have entered Gaza in the last ten days, sufficient to feed nearly half a million people for two weeks. Despite these efforts, residents face soaring prices; a 25-kilogram package of flour has risen to around $30, a stark increase from $12 earlier in the month.

In response to accusations of price gouging, Hamas has initiated crackdowns on merchants, closing shops and enforcing price reductions. While some residents report relief from looting, Gaza’s financial infrastructure remains in disarray. With most banks inoperable, many are forced to rely on expensive cash brokers for daily expenses.

Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, a senior health official in Gaza, has called for a United Nations investigation into allegations that some bodies returned by Israel show signs of torture. He stated that some victims bore evidence of being bound and had deep wounds, raising serious concerns about the treatment of detainees.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 68,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began, although the numbers have not been independently verified. In the initial attack by Hamas in 2023, approximately 1,200 people were killed in Israel, predominantly civilians, and 251 were taken hostage.

As Vance’s visit continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the broader region.