The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which took hold on Oct. 10, remains in place as of Wednesday afternoon, local time, despite reports of clashes in Gaza and accusations of violations from both sides.

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.

Several top U.S. officials are in Israel to shore up the Gaza ceasefire and attempt to bring about a permanent end to the war. They acknowledge the next phase poses serious challenges.

Lebanon’s president Thursday met with the recently-appointed U.S. general heading a committee monitoring the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas enters its second week, prominent Jews from around the world who have criticized Israel throughout the war have now signed onto a letter urging global leaders to ensure that the deal results in a “new era of peace and justice for all.”

Get live updates and the latest news on the Trump administration as the government shutdown enters Day 21 and Vice President JD Vance travels to Israel as the administration works to secure the fragile ceasefire with Hamas.