Vance Tackles Thorny Issues in Gaza: Hamas’s Arsenal and Reconstruction

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Intense U.S. efforts are underway to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza, amid discussions about the thorny issues expected in the second phase of the agreement, including disarming Hamas and rebuilding the devastated territory.

During a joint press conference on Wednesday in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Vice President JD Vance affirmed that upcoming challenges concern the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza, as part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and the movement.

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Vance said, “We face an extremely difficult mission: disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza, to improve the lives of the population and also to ensure that Hamas does not once again pose a threat to our friends in Israel.”

This comes as Israel’s Channel 12 reported on Wednesday that security agencies estimate Hamas still possesses hundreds of rockets, some of medium range, capable of reaching the country’s center.

The channel highlighted estimates that Hamas also retains “more than 10,000 long-range rockets.” Although Hamas was significantly weakened during the war of the past two years, it still holds more than half of the tunnels it formerly controlled.

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Peace agreements

In the same context, the U.S. vice president suggested the Gaza ceasefire could pave the way for broader alliances for Israel in the Middle East.

He added, “I believe the Gaza agreement is a crucial part of activating the Abraham Accords,” referring to the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states signed in 2020.

He further stated, “What the agreement may also enable is the creation of an enduring, long-term alliance structure in the Middle East, giving the region a real opportunity to move forward.”

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Durability of the accord

Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday, preceded by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Accompanied by Witkoff and Kushner, Vance visited the U.S. command center established in Kiryat Gat, announcing the start of the center’s activity, which will monitor developments in the Gaza Strip and oversee implementation of the current agreement.

Vance said that “the situation in Gaza is complex and difficult,” yet he expressed optimism that the agreement will hold, adding that there are “two parties — Hamas and the Israeli military — and in between them innocent civilians,” and noting that U.S. and Israeli teams are working together through the command center on reconstruction efforts in pursuit of a “long-term peace” vision.

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International force

Asked about the prospect of an international force being deployed in Gaza, Vance stressed that “any military presence on the ground requires Israeli approval,” clarifying that “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is engaged on this and no arrangements will be imposed on our friends in Israel.”

He added that “the Turks can play a very constructive role,” and emphasized that “real progress will only come from implementing what President Trump requested.”

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Return of deceased hostages

Regarding deceased hostages, the U.S. vice president explained that “work is underway to return their bodies for burial in Israel,” but stressed that “this will not happen overnight,” noting that some remains are “buried under thousands of kilograms of rubble.” He urged patience and expressed confidence in eventual success.

He added, “President Trump’s plan is clear — Hamas must be fully disarmed. It was not permitted to harm other Palestinians. This will take time, but it is the path to sustainable peace. And if Hamas does not cooperate, it will be wiped out.”

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