US Vice President JD Vance visits Israel as Gaza ceasefire violations continue

US Vice President JD Vance embarked on a diplomatic mission to Israel on Monday, even as the situation in Gaza remains volatile. The visit comes amid reports from the Gaza Health Ministry that Israeli attacks have killed at least 97 Palestinians since the latest ceasefire began on October 10, casting a shadow over the truce's durability.

Diplomatic Engagements and Silence

Before departure, Vance did not address reporters' questions but offered a wave before boarding the aircraft. His itinerary includes a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Prime Minister's office confirmed the vice president and his wife would spend "a few days" in the country, underscoring the high-level nature of the talks during a period of regional tension.

The Fragile Ceasefire Context

The current ceasefire, a key part of a 20-point plan initially presented by President Donald Trump, has been marked by instability. On Sunday, Vance acknowledged the process would involve "fits and starts," while President Trump himself issued a stark warning, threatening that Hamas would be "eradicated" if it fails to comply with the deal's terms, which include disarmament and the return of Israeli hostages' remains.

The Broader Conflict and Regional Stakes

The ongoing violence is part of a larger conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip since October 2023. Palestinian authorities report that Israeli military operations have killed more than 68,000 people, mostly women and children, and left the coastal enclave largely uninhabitable. As a key NATO ally with its own significant interests in Middle Eastern stability, Türkiye closely monitors these developments, which have profound implications for the entire Eastern Mediterranean region.