JD Vance visits Israel to support Gaza ceasefire

US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday to support the fragile US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, which has been under strain following renewed violence. His visit follows those of two senior White House envoys and is part of a broader diplomatic effort to secure a long-term peace after two years of war. Vance, accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, will remain in the region until Thursday, with plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hold a press conference in Jerusalem, and speak with families of hostages—both those still held and those recently released. The visit comes amid heightened tensions and continued exchanges of fire despite the ceasefire. On Sunday, militants killed two Israeli soldiers in Rafah, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes that killed 45 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Since the ceasefire took effect, at least 80 Palestinians have been reported dead. Similar incidents occurred on Monday in Gaza City and Khan Younis, where Israeli forces claimed militants had crossed agreed ceasefire lines, posing immediate threats. In response to the instability, Israel is reinforcing its positions in Gaza with clearer markings of the ceasefire zones, using concrete barriers and painted poles to delineate the so-called “yellow line” along which Israeli troops have withdrawn. Meanwhile, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire. Chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, speaking from Cairo, emphasized that Hamas remains determined to implement the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, which was brokered by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and US President Donald Trump. Al-Hayya claimed that international assurances, including from Trump, give Hamas confidence that the war is over. He noted Israel has complied with some aid deliveries but urged mediators to pressure Israel for more supplies before winter sets in. Amid ongoing negotiations and violence, Israel confirmed the return of the body of Tal Haimi, a 42-year-old Israeli abducted and killed during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that sparked the war. Haimi was a fourth-generation resident of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and part of its emergency team. His remains were released under the ceasefire deal, which requires Hamas to return the bodies of all deceased Israeli hostages. So far, 13 of the 28 bodies have been returned, with 15 still pending. Separately, Gaza’s Health Ministry has accused Israel of mistreating the bodies of Palestinian prisoners returned under the same ceasefire agreement. Dr. Muneer al-Boursh stated that some bodies showed signs of torture, including rope marks, shackles, bruises, burns, and crushed limbs, and called for an urgent UN-led investigation. Israel’s Prison Service denied the allegations, stating that detainees are treated according to legal standards, with access to medical care and humane conditions. In a related development, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a key mediator, criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire and expanding West Bank settlements. He reaffirmed Qatar’s role in mediating the truce. The situation remains tense, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to prevent a collapse of the ceasefire and ensure progress toward a sustainable peace in Gaza. @@@