US Vice President J.D. Vance, visiting Israel alongside Special Envoy Jared Kushner, has delivered a conditional offer to Hamas leaders while reassuring Israeli leadership and warning that the recovery of hostage bodies from Gaza remains a “very difficult” and patience-testing operation.
According to Israeli media, after meeting the president and prime minister, Vance toured devastated areas. At the end of his visit, he spoke of the grim reality that the bodies of 15 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, and their recovery “is not possible overnight.”
He explained some bodies are “buried under thousands of pounds of rubble,” while others are in locations that are still unknown. However, he stated the US could assist the Gaza administration in removing tons of debris.
While reiterating the goal of disarming Hamas, Vance called it a “time-consuming process.” “We will take their weapons,” he assured. However, he introduced a significant condition: “Some Hamas military leaders could be given amnesty or pardon, provided they lay down their arms and live the rest of their lives within the law.”
Vance stated these assurances are clearly outlined in President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which he noted is witnessed by Gulf Arab states. He concluded with a warning: If Hamas does not cooperate, “Hamas will be destroyed,” echoing a previous statement from President Trump.
