The implementation of the Gaza ceasefire is reportedly proceeding “better than expected,” according to US Vice-President JD Vance, who is visiting Israel to monitor the truce and push for further progress. However, Vance warned that Hamas faces destruction if it fails to cooperate, while declining to set a specific timeline for disarmament, a key part of US proposals yet to be agreed upon.

US President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire earlier this month, emphasized that America’s allies in the Middle East stand ready to enter Gaza with force should Hamas continue hostile actions. The ceasefire, now 12 days old, faced a serious challenge over the weekend when a Hamas attack killed two Israeli soldiers, prompting Israeli airstrikes that killed dozens of Palestinians.

Vance, accompanied by special US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin negotiations on long-term measures for a permanent resolution. The proposed second phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan would involve establishing an interim Palestinian government, deploying an international stabilization force, withdrawing Israeli troops, and disarming Hamas. Israel has insisted that such talks cannot proceed until all deceased hostages are returned by Hamas.

Since the ceasefire began on 10 October, 13 of the 28 deceased hostages held by Hamas have been returned, including Tal Haimi, a 41-year-old killed in the initial 7 October attacks that triggered the war. Last week, 20 living hostages were released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. While Hamas insists it is committed to fully implementing the ceasefire, recovery of bodies remains difficult due to rubble and lack of equipment.

Amid these developments, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has stressed the importance of sustaining the truce to deliver humanitarian aid. Since 10 October, 530 WFP trucks have delivered over 6,700 tonnes of food, sufficient to feed nearly 500,000 people for two weeks. However, supply targets have not been fully met, as only two crossings—Kerem Shalom and Kissufim—remain operational, leaving northern Gaza with extremely dire food conditions.

Israel, which controls aid entry into Gaza, temporarily halted deliveries in response to Sunday’s violence but resumed them after international pressure.

The ceasefire, while fragile, has allowed a partial humanitarian reprieve and set the stage for ongoing diplomatic efforts. Yet, both sides remain on edge, with repeated flare-ups underscoring the precarious nature of peace in the region.

Casualty toll since 7 October 2023:

• Over 68,000 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, according to Hamas-run health ministry.
• 251 hostages initially taken by Hamas, with ongoing negotiations for release and recovery of bodies.

The situation remains tense, with US envoys and Israel working to maintain the ceasefire and push forward the broader peace plan, even as humanitarian and security challenges persist.