Vance to Press Gaza Phase Two in Israel

Vice President J.D. Vance will visit Israel this week to press for implementation of Phase Two of the Trump-brokered Gaza ceasefire, is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and may visit Gaza, which would make him the most senior U.S. official to do so since the war began. Phase A secured the release of 20 living hostages, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and an initial Israeli withdrawal, but only nine to ten of 28 bodies of deceased hostages have been returned and officials say the truce remains fragile. Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have rushed back to Israel to shore up the deal and said they held direct talks with Hamas during negotiations. A weekend attack that killed two Israeli soldiers prompted Israeli airstrikes and a brief halt to some humanitarian crossings and aid deliveries that Israeli officials later said would resume. President Trump warned Hamas they would be "eradicated" if violence continues, said the U.S. does not plan to deploy troops, and U.S.-Israeli discussions during Vance's visit are expected to focus on a multinational stabilization force, disarming Hamas and negotiating longer-term terms. Palestinians and aid officials warn the lull feels tenuous, with residents reporting ongoing strikes and fearing the pause may be limited rather than a durable peace.