U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday to reinforce the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following renewed violence that has threatened the U.S.-brokered truce. Vance’s visit, expected to last until Thursday, comes after two senior White House envoys reached the region for crisis consultations.
The visit follows Israel’s confirmation that Hamas overnight released the body of Tal Haimi, a 42-year-old father of four from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, who was killed and abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack. Israel said it is still awaiting the return of 15 more hostages’ remains.
Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, speaking from Cairo, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the Sharm el-Sheikh ceasefire agreement, calling it a sign that “the war in Gaza is over.” He said Hamas had received assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump and mediators that the ceasefire would be upheld, while urging Israel to expand humanitarian aid into Gaza ahead of winter.
Tensions remain high despite the truce. Israeli forces reported that militants killed two soldiers in southern Rafah on Sunday, prompting retaliatory airstrikes that killed 45 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Since the ceasefire began, about 80 Palestinians have died in scattered violence. The Israeli military said it is marking clearer “yellow line” boundaries to prevent clashes.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned Israel for “continued breaches of the ceasefire” and settlement expansion in the West Bank, while pledging to continue mediating peace efforts.
In Gaza, a senior health official alleged that bodies of Palestinians returned by Israel under the ceasefire deal showed signs of torture, including burns, shackles, and crushed limbs. He urged the United Nations to launch an independent investigation.
Israel denied the allegations, saying detainees are treated according to legal standards. Some Israeli hostages released from Gaza have also reported abuse, including beatings and starvation, during their captivity.