(Jerusalem, October 22) - U.S. Vice President Cyril Vance expressed optimism about the continued momentum of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but he also warned that disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza will be a daunting challenge.
Vance met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday (October 22), and the two held a joint press conference afterwards. Vance said, "I am confident that the ceasefire can hold...but it will take some effort."
He noted, "We face a very difficult task: disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza, making life better for the people of Gaza, while ensuring that Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israel."
Vance also noted that the Gaza ceasefire agreement will help advance the Abraham Accords and pave the way for Israel to build a broader alliance in the Middle East.
Netanyahu said he and Vance discussed post-war plans for Gaza. "We are taking a fresh look at how to establish a civilian government, how to provide security, and who will provide that security," he said. "It will not be easy, but I believe it is doable."
Further Reading
Vance also expressed optimism about the prospects for a ceasefire agreement during a visit to the US-Israel Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel on Tuesday (21st).
The center is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire and coordinating humanitarian aid in Gaza. According to The Times of Israel, US and Israeli soldiers and civilian contractors, as well as British, Canadian, German, Danish, and Jordanian forces, are currently stationed there.
Despite Israeli concerns that Hamas will exploit the ceasefire to rebuild its power, Vance said the United States will not set a deadline for Hamas to disarm. He also stated that the United States will not deploy troops to Gaza but will participate in coordination efforts.
Regarding the slow transfer of hostage remains, Vance noted that some hostages' remains are buried under the rubble and some are missing, and that completing this part of the agreement will take time.
