U.S. Vice President Visits Israel to Support Ceasefire
TEL AVIV, Israel – U.S. Vice President JD Vance is in Israel to reinforce the U.S.-supported ceasefire in Gaza. This follows recent violence and ongoing discussions about creating lasting peace.
Also this week, Israel announced the recovery of a hostage’s body released by Palestinian groups. A Hamas leader stated their commitment to the ceasefire agreement, aiming to end the conflict.
Vice President Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha, is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also hold a press conference in Jerusalem and meet with families of hostages, both those still held in Gaza and those released.
Israel has confirmed that Hamas released the body of Tal Haimi, who was killed in the October 7, 2023, attack. Haimi was taken from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and was a member of the kibbutz’s emergency team.
According to the ceasefire terms, Israel is awaiting the return of the remains of 15 deceased hostages. So far, 13 bodies have been released since the ceasefire began.
Hamas Reaffirms Commitment to End Conflict
Following recent clashes, Hamas negotiators have restated their dedication to ending the war “once and for all.”
Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya mentioned a previous agreement, expressing confidence that it would lead to a permanent end to the conflict.
Al-Hayya stated that Israel is fulfilling aid deliveries as agreed but has requested increased supplies of shelter, medical aid, and winter supplies.
Recent Violence and Ceasefire Concerns
This past Sunday, the Israeli military reported that militants attacked troops, resulting in the death of two Israeli soldiers in the Rafah area. Israel responded with strikes that, according to the local Health Ministry, killed 45 Palestinians.
The Israeli military has been working to clearly mark the ceasefire line in Gaza.
Qatar, a key mediator in the ceasefire, has spoken out about Israel’s “continued breaches of the ceasefire” in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
Claims of Torture
A health official in Gaza has claimed that some bodies returned by Israel show “evidence of torture” and has called for an investigation.
Israel returned bodies to Gaza as part of the ceasefire deal.
Dr. Muneer al-Boursh reported that some bodies had signs of being bound, blindfolded, and suffering from wounds and burns. He called for a United Nations investigation, labeling the alleged actions as war crimes.
The Israel Prisons Service denies any mistreatment of prisoners, stating that all inmates are held according to legal procedures and their rights are respected.
Released Israeli hostages have also reported harsh conditions while in Gaza, including being bound and subjected to beatings and starvation.
