U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance landed in Israel on Tuesday to assist in stabilizing a fragile U.S.-brokered Gaza truce following days of resumed violence and discord over its implementation.
Vance is to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and remain in the region until Thursday. He is accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance. Two White House envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Israel in advance for talks to keep both parties on board, AP News said.
Israeli officials said they identified a hostage body that was recovered overnight as part of exchanges pertaining to the ceasefire. Under the agreement, Israel said it is still waiting for Hamas to release the bodies of 15 deceased hostages; 13 bodies have been turned over since the beginning of the truce, AP News reported.
Hamas leaders said the group wants the war “to end once and forever,” while calling for mediators to secure more shelter materials, medical supplies and winter items before colder weather sets in. The group said Israel has stuck to scheduled aid deliveries at the crossing points so far, AP News reported.
American officials view the visit as a push to maintain basic elements in place: continues exchanges of remains, increased security precautions along Gaza and ongoing humanitarian access. Talks through Thursday are expected to focus on reducing tension at the crossings and preventing new flashpoints, AP News reported.
The cease-fire has hung in the balance in recent days after deadly incidents tested enforcement and the sequence of moves under the deal. Officials on both sides have blamed the other for not keeping up with promises. Mediators are trying to prop up the agreement while parties dispute next steps, AP News said.
To date, 13 sets of remains have been transferred and 15 are pending under the current framework, Israeli officials said. Progress on that aspect will likely have some bearing on decisions regarding aid flows and security coordination in the near term, AP News reported.
White House aides have additional meetings with Israeli officials and continuing consultation with mediators as they strive to keep the truce in place this week, AP News reported.
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