US Optimism on Gaza Deal: Vance Affirms "Trump's Plan" Implementation is Going "Better Than Expected"

US Vice President, J.D. Vance, expressed "great optimism" on Tuesday regarding the durability of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a press conference in Israel, Vance affirmed that the implementation of what he called "Trump's Plan" for peace is proceeding "better than expected."

Vance stressed that Washington is not imposing anything on Tel Aviv, adding that the Israeli government is "assisting greatly" in the plan's execution. He also noted that a command center in Israel is monitoring the ceasefire implementation operations.

Warning to Hamas and Focus on Phase Two

Vance warned that the Hamas movement would be eliminated if it failed to cooperate, stating: "If Hamas does not give up its weapons, very bad things will happen." The Vice President also emphasized that the locations of the bodies of some hostages in Gaza remain unknown, and he considered it essential for Israel to agree on the type of forces that will be present on the ground as part of the plan's implementation.

For his part, Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to ensure the completion of Phase Two of the Gaza agreement, even as the concerned parties continue implementing Phase One. He indicated that there are signs of achieving "significant progress" in the coming days.

Kushner added, in a joint press conference with Vance and US Envoy Steve Witkoff: "We are determined to fully complete Phase One, and you will see a lot of progress soon." He considered that the two-year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas "is heading towards a state of truce," and that the two sides are transitioning from war to an "era of peace."

Hostage Remains and Aid

Regarding efforts to retrieve the hostages' bodies, Kushner said: "We are making progress in bringing the remains of the hostages back from Gaza," affirming that President Trump "will support these efforts." He also noted "great coordination" between Israel and the United Nations concerning the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip.

The US Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, stated that implementing the Gaza agreement is the most crucial step in the path to ending the conflict. He clarified that "signing the Gaza agreement was a challenge, and its implementation is the most important step."