U.S. Vice President JD Vance held talks in Israel on Tuesday as Washington sought to shore up a fragile Gaza cease-fire and press both Israel and Hamas toward deeper concessions in upcoming negotiations.
The two sides have accused each other of repeated breaches of the cease-fire since it was formally agreed eight days ago, with flashes of violence and recriminations over the pace of returning hostage bodies, bringing in aid and opening borders.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point cease-fire plan will require much more difficult steps to which the sides have yet to fully commit, including the disarmament of Hamas and steps toward a Palestinian state.
Moving to 2nd phase
Vance, who has so far made no public remarks during the visit, is due to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The trip follows Monday's talks between Netanyahu and U.S. envoys Steven Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and comes as Hamas meet mediators in Cairo.
