by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – U.S. Vice President JD Vance voiced optimism Tuesday that the fragile Gaza ceasefire would endure, even as he warned Hamas of total destruction should it fail to disarm under President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan.
Speaking from the newly opened U.S.-Israel Ceasefire Coordination Center in southern Israel, Vance said the truce was “going better than expected,” a week into Trump’s 20-point plan to rebuild Gaza and secure lasting peace.
“Here at the civilian-military cooperation center, you have Israelis and Americans working hand-in-hand to rebuild Gaza, implement a long-term peace, and ensure security on the ground,” Vance said, joined by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump adviser Jared Kushner, and CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper.
He stressed that while the U.S. would not deploy troops, it would coordinate an emerging international stabilization force — potentially including Gulf Arab, Turkish, and Asian partners — under a UN mandate. “There are not going to be American boots on the ground in Gaza,” he said. “But the U.S. will lead coordination to make sure peace holds.”
‘If Hamas Doesn’t Cooperate, It Will Be Obliterated’
Vance reaffirmed Trump’s stark warning that Hamas faces annihilation if it violates the ceasefire. “If Hamas doesn’t comply with the deal, very bad things are going to happen,” he said. “If Hamas doesn’t cooperate, it will be obliterated.”
The vice president declined to set a specific deadline for Hamas to disarm, saying Washington’s approach would hinge on the group’s behavior. “We’re not setting a timetable — but consequences will follow based on actions,” he said.
His remarks came amid continued tensions after Hamas militants killed two Israeli soldiers in Rafah earlier this week, prompting heavy Israeli airstrikes before the IDF reaffirmed the truce.
Trump earlier confirmed he had rejected offers from several Middle Eastern allies to deploy troops into Gaza, opting instead to “give Hamas a chance to do what is right.”
Deep U.S.-Israel Coordination
Vance’s visit underscored Washington’s deepening military and diplomatic role in enforcing the ceasefire. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday, and later Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir — a rare engagement for a foreign leader with Israel’s top military brass.
The U.S. delegation — including Witkoff and Kushner — has held parallel talks with Israeli intelligence and IDF planning officials on implementing the security and reconstruction phases of Trump’s plan.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also slated to travel to Israel later this week to continue coordination efforts, Axios reported.
Foreign Troops and Future Governance
The Kiryat Gat coordination center currently hosts military liaisons from Britain, Canada, Germany, Denmark, and Jordan. Indonesia has publicly offered to send peacekeepers to Gaza, while Turkey and Azerbaijan have privately signaled interest.
Asked about Ankara’s potential involvement, Vance said Turkey could play a “constructive role” despite its past ties to Hamas. “We’re not going to force anything on our Israeli friends when it comes to foreign troops on their soil,” he said, adding, “The way we get to peace is to focus on the future.”
He emphasized that security and humanitarian priorities — food, medicine, and rebuilding — must come before political arrangements for Gaza’s long-term governance. “We’re creating a governance structure that is flexible,” he said. “If we reach the point of debating Gaza’s future government, that’s a good sign — it means peace is taking root.”
Hamas Still Armed, But Weakened
According to recent Israeli intelligence, Hamas retains about 20,000 armed fighters in Gaza — roughly half its pre-2023 strength — divided into six brigades and 24 battalions. Many operate in isolation, with reduced command structure and limited supplies.
Despite its losses, Hamas continues to resist disarmament, even as international actors press for a stable ceasefire and reconstruction.
For now, Vance insists that progress is real. “There’s a lot of work left to do, but I feel confident we’re moving toward a durable peace,” he said. “This isn’t the end — it’s how lasting peace begins.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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