Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Oct 22: U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a stark message during a press conference in Kiryat Gat on Tuesday, warning that Hamas will be “obliterated” if it refuses to disarm, while reaffirming that any decision about foreign troop deployment in Gaza will rest solely with Israel.

“If Hamas cooperates, there’s a path forward,” Vance said. “If it doesn’t… Hamas is going to be obliterated.” His remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to transition into a second phase of the fragile truce between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.

Addressing reporters near the Gaza border, Vance said the Biden administration would not pressure Israel regarding the presence of foreign peacekeepers, stating, “That’s a question for the Israelis to agree to.” He added that Turkey could play a significant role in the region’s future stabilization, without elaborating.

Vance acknowledged the deep frustrations surrounding the slow pace of hostage recovery and body retrieval. “Some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble. Some — nobody even knows where they are,” he said, urging for “a little bit of patience” as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

With both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the truce, the US Vice President noted that despite tensions, both parties have reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, according to reporting by Xinhua news agency.

While cautioning that there are “no guarantees,” Vance underscored the importance of pushing forward. “Can I say with 100% certainty that it's going to work? No... but you do difficult things by trying,” he remarked.

Vice President Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday and is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, were already in the country ahead of his visit.