Vance voices cautious optimism in Israel as ceasefire strains appear

Wednesday 22 October 2025 - 09:05

By: Sahili Aya

Vance voices cautious optimism in Israel as ceasefire strains appear

Jerusalem, October 21, 2025 — U.S. Vice President JD Vance voiced cautious optimism on Tuesday during his visit to Israel, insisting that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas can hold despite renewed violence and mutual accusations of violations.

Speaking at a news conference in southern Israel to mark the opening of a new civilian-military cooperation center, Vance acknowledged that maintaining peace would not be easy but said he remained hopeful. “I can’t say with 100% certainty that it’s going to work,” he told reporters. “But I have great optimism that the ceasefire will hold. You don’t achieve difficult things by waiting for certainty — you achieve them by trying.”

His comments came as tensions persist following the U.S.-brokered truce negotiated earlier this month by President Donald Trump. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaking the agreement, and sporadic clashes have continued as Hamas struggles to reassert control in Gaza.

Vance also criticized what he described as an overly pessimistic tone in Western media coverage. “There seems to be a tendency to declare failure every time violence erupts,” he said. “But this is part of what peacebuilding looks like — progress comes through setbacks and persistence.”

For the Trump administration, the ceasefire represents a major diplomatic priority. The president has openly linked the success of the truce to his vision of long-term stability in the Middle East — and even to his hopes of being considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that regional allies “would welcome the chance to move into Gaza with strong force” if Hamas violates the agreement. “If Hamas continues to act badly,” he warned, “the end will be fast, furious, and brutal.”

Asked about the president’s comments, Vance reaffirmed U.S. support for peace but warned that “very bad things are going to happen” if Hamas fails to honor the deal.