TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — On Tuesday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel with the primary aim of reinforcing the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. This ceasefire has been under immense pressure in recent days due to violent outbreaks and ongoing discussions about establishing a sustainable long-term peace in the region. Vance's visit comes at a critical juncture, following the release of hostages by Palestinian militants and a renewed commitment to peace negotiations.
Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, the Vice President is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key officials during his stay, which is expected to last until Thursday. This visit follows recent trips by two prominent White House envoys, showcasing the U.S. administration's commitment to stabilizing the situation in Gaza. Upon his arrival, Vance conducted a working meeting at the airport with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner.
In the evening, Vance plans to hold a news conference in Jerusalem and is expected to meet with families of hostages, including those whose remains are still unaccounted for in Gaza. This follows a series of meetings earlier in the day, where Witkoff and Kushner spoke with nine hostages recently released from captivity.
In a significant development, Israel confirmed the identification of the body of Tal Haimi, a hostage killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which marked the beginning of the current conflict. Haimi, a 42-year-old member of the kibbutz emergency response team, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and leaves behind four children, including one born after the attack. Under the terms of the current ceasefire, Israel is still awaiting the return of 15 additional deceased hostages, with 13 bodies already released since the ceasefire was implemented.
Amid ongoing violence, Hamas negotiators reiterated their dedication to ensuring the war comes to an end. Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator for Hamas, emphasized the group's commitment to the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, which aims to establish lasting peace in Gaza. He stated that assurances received from international mediators and former President Trump bolster their confidence in ending the conflict. Al-Hayya urged mediators to pressure Israel to enhance aid deliveries, particularly in light of the impending winter.
On Sunday, the Israeli military reported the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in Rafah, southern Gaza, resulting from militant strikes. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed 45 Palestinians, bringing the total death toll to 80 since the ceasefire's initiation. The Israeli military is taking steps to better define the ceasefire lines in Gaza to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, Qatar, a pivotal mediator in the ceasefire negotiations, condemned Israel's actions during a speech by its ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He criticized Israel for its ongoing ceasefire violations and expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Additionally, a senior health official in Gaza reported that some returned bodies showed signs of torture, prompting calls for an investigation into these allegations. The Israel Prisons Service denied any mistreatment of prisoners, asserting that all inmates are treated in accordance with legal standards.
The ongoing situation remains complex and fluid, with both sides navigating a delicate path towards achieving lasting peace. With Vice President Vance's diplomatic efforts, there is cautious hope for stabilizing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
