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.

Vice President JD Vance projected cautious optimism about the Trump administration’s Middle East peace plans in Israel on Tuesday, downplaying a weekend of violence that threatened the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

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.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is in Israel to shore up the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The U.S.

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

Israel is de-registering major nongovernmental aid groups from helping people in the Palestinian territories, according to several officials with humanitarian organizations.

Meanwhile US President Donald Trump says a "heavy force" could go into Gaza "if Hamas continues to act badly".

Advisory opinions carry significant legal weight and experts say the case could have broader ramifications for the UN and its missions worldwide.

U.S. military creates Civil-Military Coordination Center near Gaza to oversee ceasefire implementation and facilitate humanitarian assistance from international partners.