On Wednesday, October 22nd, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the challenging task of disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Vance opened the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in southwest Israel which will coordinate aid and monitor the truce between Israel and Hamas, although no American troops will be deployed inside Gaza. Plans for an international security force are under discussion with Turkey’s potential involvement, sparking concern in Israel.
Vance issued a warning to Hamas during the press conference held after the CMCC visit, stating
The terms of the 20 point plan that the president put out there is very clear. It’s supported not just by Israel, but by all of our Gulf Arab friends. It’s that Hamas has to disarm. It’s that Hamas has to actually behave itself and that Hamas, while all the fighters can be given some sort of clemency, they’re not going to be able to kill each other, and they’re not going to be able to kill their fellow Palestinians.
Vance expressed optimism that the ceasefire would hold. Hostage returns continue with the bodies of 15 of the 28 murdered hostages recovered so far.
The ceasefire and reconstruction plan also aim to advance broader regional diplomacy, including elements of the Abraham Accords, according to Vance and Netanyahu.
