Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza amid a fragile U.S. brokered ceasefire as Vice President JD Vance urges calm (Photo: Pinterest)
U.S. Vice President JD Vance sounded a positive note on Tuesday, referring to the recent Middle East ceasefire as a historic peace and refusing to accept that it had been broken. The “ceasefire is holding” he said, despite reports of renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. His words came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized what he described as "powerful strikes" in response to Hamas's alleged breach.
Vance's words were the first from the Trump administration after the latest escalation. Trying to play down the violence, he also said, "That doesn't mean there aren't going to be little skirmishes here and there," implying Washington is still sure of the stability of the truce as the situation on the ground weaves a more fragile narrative.
The Israeli army confirmed new attacks on Gaza's Sabra district, south of Gaza City, killing a minimum of two and wounding four. Netanyahu blamed Hamas for violating the U.S. mediated truce by opening fire against Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza and not returning the bodies of Israeli hostages.
ALSO READ: Israel Launches New Strikes on Gaza After Ceasefire Breach Accusation | Netanyahu Orders ‘Powerful Attacks’
On Monday, Hamas released what Israel reported as partial remains of one hostage, a move Netanyahu denounced as a clear violation of the agreement. The Defense Minister of Israel Israel Katz promised that Hamas will "pay a heavy price" for its attacks on its soldiers and violating the agreement.
On October 10 truce facilitated by Washington and in place since then, was intended to bring a halt to a two-year war that laid Gaza to waste and overstrained Israel's defense establishment. Since then, both sides have charged the other with scattered breaches.
On October 19, two Israeli soldiers were killed by fire from Hamas, which led to Israeli retaliatory attacks said to have killed more than 40 Palestinians.
ALSO READ: Fact Check: Did Barack Obama Really Spend $376 Million on the White House Basketball Court?
Throughout the weekend, Israel said it attacked Islamic Jihad militants plotting further attacks. These ongoing flare-ups have put into question the staying power of what U.S. officials refer to as the most important diplomatic achievement in years.
Thirteen hostage bodies are still thought to be in Gaza. Hamas declared that it had found another body but subsequently delayed handing it over after Israel's recent bombardment. The action of the group threatens to further undermine the tenuous balance that Vice President Vance claims is holding.
As Washington persists in viewing the events as a test of wills for the peace agreement, on-the-ground developments paint a picture of a ceasefire under great stress. With both sides throwing mutual accusations, the world waits with bated breath asking how long this historic peace can actually be sustained.
ALSO READ: Fact Check: Michelle Obama’s Portrait & the White House Demolition Rumor
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified reports and official statements. Details may evolve as new information becomes available.
