Kiryat Gat, Israel, Oct 23 – U.S. Vice President JD Vance, along with other envoys, expressed optimism on Tuesday regarding the fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza, noting that progress has exceeded expectations during their visit to a new center in Israel for civilian and military cooperation.

Vance acknowledged recent flare-ups of violence but remarked that the ceasefire, which commenced on October 10, is proceeding better than anticipated following two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, echoed this sentiment, stating that the situation is surpassing initial expectations. The visit comes amid ongoing discussions about the long-term peace plan, including the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force to Gaza, and the governance of the territory post-conflict.

During his visit, Vance downplayed the urgency of his trip, asserting confidence in the longevity of the peace agreement while warning that Hamas would face severe consequences if it fails to cooperate. Jared Kushner, a key architect of the ceasefire agreement and son-in-law to U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighted the complexities involved in transitioning from intense warfare to a peacetime posture. Vance is scheduled to remain in the region until Thursday, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu dismissed his national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, without providing a reason. Israeli media reported that Hanegbi had opposed the renewal of Israel’s Gaza offensive in March and criticized a failed assassination attempt on Hamas leadership in Qatar in September. Hanegbi acknowledged “times of disagreement” with Netanyahu in a statement.

Hamas reported the recovery of the remains of two additional hostages, which it plans to hand over on Tuesday evening. Vance urged patience amid Israeli frustrations regarding the pace of hostage returns, explaining that some hostages are buried under rubble and their locations remain unknown. He emphasized the challenges ahead, advocating for a focus on security and humanitarian needs before addressing long-term governance in Gaza.

While approximately 200 U.S. troops have been deployed to Israel, Vance clarified that they would not be stationed in Gaza. He mentioned that discussions are underway to conceptualize the international security force for the territory, with Turkey and Indonesia expected to participate.

Despite ongoing tensions and accusations of ceasefire violations, both Israel and Hamas have reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement. Under the ceasefire terms, Israel awaits the return of the bodies of 15 remaining hostages, with 13 already returned. In exchange, Israel is releasing 15 Palestinian bodies for each deceased hostage, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting that 165 bodies have been transferred since the ceasefire began.

International organizations have ramped up humanitarian aid to Gaza, while Hamas has initiated a crackdown on price gouging by merchants. The World Food Program reported sending over 530 trucks into Gaza in the past 10 days, sufficient to feed nearly half a million people for two weeks, although this is significantly lower than pre-war levels. Residents have reported soaring prices for essential goods, with a 25-kilogram package of flour rising from about $12 to over $70 before stabilizing around $30.

Hamas has conducted raids on shops across Gaza, closing some and compelling merchants to lower prices. Nahed Sheheiber, head of Gaza’s private truckers’ union, confirmed that no aid theft has occurred since the ceasefire began. However, significant challenges persist, including a dysfunctional financial system, with most banks and ATMs inoperable, forcing residents to rely on cash brokers for daily expenses.

A senior health official in Gaza reported that some bodies returned by Israel showed signs of torture, prompting calls for a United Nations investigation. Dr. Muneer al-Boursh noted evidence of binding, deep wounds, and other signs of abuse on some bodies. The Israel Prisons Service denied allegations of mistreatment, asserting compliance with legal procedures and adequate care for detainees.