US Vice-President JD Vance on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, expressed “great optimism” regarding the Gaza truce plan, describing it as “durable” and “going better than expected” during his visit to Israel. His remarks came two days after Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 26 Palestinians, highlighting the delicate nature of the ongoing ceasefire.

Vance's trip is part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to strengthen the ceasefire agreement. Concurrently, Hamas officials have joined talks in Cairo aimed at resolving outstanding differences with Israel.

“We are doing very well. Better than I expected. We are in a very good place. We’re going to have to keep working on it,” Vance stated during a press conference in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel. When questioned about the likelihood of the ceasefire holding, he responded that the past week had instilled in him “great optimism.”

Historical and Political Context

The ceasefire, initially implemented on Thursday, October 10, 2025, has faced repeated challenges. Violations have included Palestinian militants reportedly killing two Israeli soldiers and Israel bombing Gaza on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Vance's visit follows those of US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Vance met with Witkoff and Kushner upon his arrival and was scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening.

Jared Kushner, a White House envoy who also attended the press conference, acknowledged the complexity of the truce. He noted that “both sides are transitioning from two years of very intense warfare to now a peacetime posture,” underscoring the significant shift required for sustained peace.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The involvement of high-level US officials like Vice-President Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner highlights the United States' significant diplomatic role in mediating and sustaining the Gaza ceasefire. Their presence in the region signals a concerted effort to ensure the agreement holds.

Hamas's participation in the Cairo talks is crucial for addressing the underlying issues that could jeopardise the truce. These discussions are vital for bridging the differences between the involved parties and establishing a more stable environment.

Risks and Implications

The repeated violations since the ceasefire's inception underscore the fragility of the agreement. Any further escalation could quickly unravel the progress made, leading to renewed conflict and humanitarian concerns. The killing of 26 Palestinians in Israeli airstrikes just before Vance's visit serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation.

What to Watch

The ongoing talks in Cairo are a critical next step. The ability of Hamas and Israeli representatives to iron out their differences will largely determine the long-term viability of the ceasefire. Observers will be closely watching for any breakthroughs or continued impasses in these negotiations.

Evidence/Data Box

• Ceasefire Implementation Date: Thursday, October 10, 2025
• Reported Palestinian Fatalities (October 19, 2025): 26
• Reported Israeli Soldier Fatalities (October 19, 2025): 2
• Duration of Intense Warfare Prior to Truce: Two years