In brief
In a critical effort to uphold the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, US Vice-President JD Vance has arrived in Israel, aiming to encourage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to engage in long-term negotiations with Hamas. This visit follows recent escalations in violence that jeopardized a twelve-day truce. The ongoing discussions involve pivotal negotiations on a multi-phase Gaza peace plan initiated by US President Donald Trump, designed to bring stability to the region.
US Vice-President JD Vance has arrived in Israel as part of the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
He is expected to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to start negotiations on long-term issues for a permanent end to the war with Hamas.
The two special US envoys who helped negotiate the deal, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, also held talks with Netanyahu on Monday.
Their visits come after a flare-up of violence on Sunday that threatened to derail the 12-day-old truce. Israel said a Hamas attack killed two soldiers, triggering Israeli air strikes that killed dozens of Palestinians.
US President Donald Trump insisted on Monday that the ceasefire was still on track but also warned Hamas that it would be eradicated if it violated the deal.
Trump dispatched his deputy and envoys to Israel to keep up the momentum and push for the start of talks on the second critical phase of his 20-point Gaza peace plan, which involves setting up an interim government, deploying an international stabilisation force, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and disarmament of Hamas.
Amidst growing tensions, Netanyahu assured the Knesset that discussions would focus on Israel's security challenges and political opportunities moving forward.
Despite the turmoil, Hamas negotiators in Cairo affirm their commitment to the ceasefire, insisting they will fully implement it and work towards peace.
The developments come on the heels of a devastating military response from Israel following the initial attacks, with casualties soaring in Gaza. Israel's military actions have prompted serious considerations over the longevity and effectiveness of the ongoing ceasefire.
