Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed cautious optimism on Wednesday regarding the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating that although progress has been made, significant work remains to ensure lasting peace and rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Vance reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Israel and advancing what he described as a comprehensive plan for peace and reconstruction in Gaza.
“I look forward to working with Prime Minister Netanyahu on the Gaza peace plan,” Vance said. “It’s going to be a difficult task. We must disarm Hamas and rebuild Gaza it won’t be easy.”
Vance, who serves as Vice President under President Donald Trump, added that the administration is fully committed to the effort. “The Trump administration will dedicate all available resources. We want to play a positive role. There is still a lot of work ahead,” he said.
The ceasefire, which has held since October 10, follows two years of intense Israeli military operations in Gaza, during which thousands of civilians were killed and large parts of the enclave were reduced to rubble. The Biden administration had previously faced widespread criticism over its support for Israeli actions in Gaza, which rights groups and international observers have described as disproportionate and potentially constituting war crimes.
Despite this, Vance stressed a forward-looking approach, describing the current truce as an opportunity to chart a new course. “We’re optimistic the ceasefire will hold,” he said.
The remarks signal a renewed U.S. effort to position itself as a key player in post-conflict recovery, even as regional and international actors remain divided over long-term political solutions.
