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After two years of relentless warfare between Israel and Hamas, a fragile calm has taken hold in the Gaza Strip. As part of a U.S. diplomatic push to sustain the new truce, Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel this week, expressing measured optimism that the Gaza ceasefire agreement is working better than expected.
Ceasefire “Going Better Than Expected,” Says Vance
During his first visit as vice president, Vance toured a newly opened center for civilian and military coordination near Kiryat Gat. Standing alongside U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, he told reporters that the ceasefire—implemented on October 10—was “going better than I expected.”
“After two years of conflict, it’s remarkable how both sides have held the line,” Vance said. “We’re not naïve, but we’re encouraged.”
Witkoff added that progress on the ground has exceeded early projections. Their visit underscores a broader U.S. goal: transforming a temporary truce into a durable framework for long-term peace and reconstruction in Gaza.
A Diplomatic Mission Focused on Security and Stability
Vance sought to downplay speculation that his trip was an emergency mission to keep the ceasefire alive. Instead, he described it as part of ongoing U.S. engagement with regional partners to solidify a post-war roadmap.
“I’m confident we’re heading toward a peace that lasts,” he said. “But if Hamas refuses to cooperate, it will be obliterated.”
The Biden-Trump joint administration’s (under the Trump-led coalition government) regional strategy has focused on pairing security guarantees for Israel with humanitarian relief for Palestinians. Officials say no U.S. troops will enter Gaza, but Washington is actively designing an international security force to oversee stability once disarmament begins.
According to Vance, countries such as Turkey, Indonesia, Jordan, Germany, Britain, and Denmark are expected to contribute personnel. The idea, he said, is to “give both Israelis and Gazans space to rebuild with confidence.”
The Next Steps: Hostage Returns and Reconstruction
One of the most emotional issues remains the return of hostages and remains. On Tuesday, Hamas announced that it had recovered the bodies of two additional hostages, promising to return them to Israel later in the evening.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel is to receive the remains of 15 remaining hostages in exchange for the release of 15 Palestinian bodies per hostage. To date, 13 hostages’ remains have been returned, and Israel has transferred 165 Palestinian bodies in return.
“Some of these hostages are buried under tons of debris. No one even knows where some are located,” Vance said. “This process requires patience and precision.”
Meanwhile, humanitarian operations are slowly expanding. The World Food Program (WFP) confirmed that more than 530 aid trucks entered Gaza in the past 10 days—enough to feed nearly half a million people for two weeks. While that’s far below prewar levels of 500–600 daily shipments, officials say the trend is improving.
Still, Gaza’s economy remains shattered. Food and basic goods have become prohibitively expensive, with merchants accused of price gouging. A 25-kilogram (55-pound) sack of flour that once cost $12 briefly spiked to $70 before Hamas-led authorities intervened.
“They are exploiting us,” said Mohamed al-Faqawi, a resident of Khan Younis. “People are desperate.”
Political Turmoil in Israel: Netanyahu Fires Security Adviser
The ceasefire’s progress came amid domestic turbulence in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unexpectedly dismissed his national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, without explanation. Local reports suggest Hanegbi opposed Israel’s renewed Gaza offensive in March and the failed attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders in Qatar last September.
In a brief statement, Hanegbi alluded to “times of disagreement” with Netanyahu, hinting at divisions within Israel’s leadership over how to manage the postwar transition.
Gaza Health Officials Claim Abuse of Returned Bodies
Adding to the controversy, Gaza’s Health Ministry alleged that several Palestinian bodies recently returned by Israel bore signs of torture and abuse—including burns, shackles, and broken limbs.
Senior official Dr. Muneer al-Boursh called for a UN-led investigation, stating that the evidence suggests violations of international law. The Israel Prison Service rejected the accusations, saying all detainees receive lawful treatment and medical care. Independent verification has yet to be conducted, and the claims remain unconfirmed.
A Region at a Crossroads
The Gaza ceasefire of October 2025 has offered a brief respite after catastrophic losses: more than 68,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and roughly 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, slain during the 2023 Hamas-led attack that started the war.
With both sides under international scrutiny, the coming weeks will determine whether this fragile peace survives.
If Hamas disarms and an international force deploys successfully, Gaza’s reconstruction could begin as early as early 2026.
If the truce collapses, analysts warn of an even deeper humanitarian disaster.
“We’re transitioning from two years of intense warfare to peacetime governance,” said Jared Kushner, one of the ceasefire architects. “It’s complicated, but it’s achievable.”
Why This Matters
This ceasefire isn’t just another diplomatic pause—it’s a litmus test for Middle East stability. The outcome will shape the future of U.S.-Israel relations, Palestinian statehood discussions, and regional humanitarian policy.
As global interest surges in topics like “Gaza peace plan 2025,” “Israel Hamas disarmament progress,” and “aid trucks entering Gaza,” the world is watching whether hope can finally replace hostility.
Key Takeaways
Ceasefire stable: JD Vance says the Gaza truce is “better than expected” after two years of war.
Security first: U.S. focus is on safety and aid before long-term governance.
No U.S. troops in Gaza: Only coordination teams stationed in Israel.
International peace force planned with partners including Turkey and Jordan.
Hostage remains returned; exchanges ongoing under ceasefire terms.
Aid rising, prices volatile: 530 trucks of food and supplies entered Gaza.
Netanyahu fires adviser, revealing internal rifts.
Torture claims denied: Gaza accuses Israel over returned bodies.
Peace fragile but hopeful: Disarmament and aid expansion will decide Gaza’s future.
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