Defense Minister Israel Katz added that demolishing the tunnels is the most important joint mission in demobilizing Gaza in accordance with Trump's ceasefire plan. More than 60% of Hamas tunnels were left undestroyed during the war,

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.

Israeli forces struck Hamas positions in Gaza after the terrorist group allegedly violated ceasefire terms with attacks on IDF forces.

KIRYAT GAT, Israel (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday toured a U.S.-led center in Israel overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, as the Trump administration worked to set up an international security force in the territory and shore up the tenuous truce between Israel and Hamas.

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 United States is preventing Israel from imposing sanctions on Hamas or Gaza as the terror group delays returning bodies of slain hostages, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday that the United States and allies face a tough task disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.

The vice president said that while he can't have "100% certainty that it's going to work," he has "great optimism the ceasefire is going to hold."