US Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday of the tough task ahead in disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure its ally Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.

After two years of intense conflict in Gaza, Israel’s military warns Hamas remains a potent force with around 20,000 fighters and hundreds of rockets capable of striking deep into Israel. Despite IDF claims of killing over 22,

An Israeli security official said the transfer of aid into the territory is halted "until further notice," the first major test of the ceasefire.

The body of the oldest hostage taken by Hamas following its October 7, 2023 attacks was among two deceased hostages returned to Israel from Gaza on Tuesday.

As a Christian, this region of the world means a great deal to me,' Vance said at the start of whirlwind trip to salvage the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

The warning from the White House came after the US president previously downplayed internal violence in Gaza since a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect last week.View

The body of the oldest hostage taken by Hamas was returned to Israel, along with another deceased hostage, as part of a US-proposed ceasefire agreement.

TIME has contacted Netanyahu’s office for comment. In response, the Hamas Government Media Office in Gaza accused Israel of committing 21 “violations” on Sunday, bringing the total alleged violations by Israel to 80 since the cease-fire began.

Breaking: The Israeli Defense Forces have reportedly eliminated an Al-Qassam fighter believed responsible for a recent attack on IDF troops, raising fears of a possible Hamas retaliation. The targeted operation comes amid ongoing tensions in Gaza,