Overview
- Meeting Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance voiced "great optimism" the truce will hold while stressing the difficult task of disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza.
- Vance inaugurated the Civil-Military Coordination Centre in Kiryat Gat, where U.S. and allied personnel are working with Israeli forces to monitor the ceasefire and coordinate aid, with plans for a non‑U.S. international security force inside Gaza.
- Netanyahu hinted he opposes any Turkish security presence in Gaza, even as Turkey says it is ready to join a task force linked to the accord; Vance has said Ankara could play a constructive role.
- Israel identified two more returned hostage remains, bringing to 15 of 28 the bodies handed over under the deal, as Hamas cites devastation slowing searches; the Red Cross has facilitated transfers and Gaza health officials reported additional Palestinian bodies returned, with abuse allegations denied by Israel.
- The ceasefire remains fragile, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting at least 87 Palestinians killed since Oct. 10 and two Israeli soldiers killed in separate incidents, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff estimates roughly $50 billion will be needed for reconstruction with regional and European funding expected.