US Vice President JD Vance has issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the militant group will be “obliterated” if it refuses to disarm. Speaking at a press conference in Kiryat Gat, near Gaza, on Tuesday, Vance said that Hamas fighters could be spared if they cooperate, but any resistance would lead to complete destruction.

“If it doesn’t cooperate … Hamas is going to be obliterated,” Vance declared, underscoring Washington’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense.

The Vice President also stated that the United States would not pressure Israel over whether to allow foreign troops into Gaza, saying, “That is a question for the Israelis to agree to.” He noted that Turkey could play a “significant role” in future arrangements related to Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.

Addressing ongoing mediation efforts for a second phase of the truce, Vance acknowledged the uncertainties. “Can I say with 100 percent certainty that it’s going to work? No … but you do difficult things by trying,” he said.

He also appealed for patience amid frustration over the slow progress in recovering hostages and bodies. “Some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble. Some of them, nobody even knows where they are,” he added.

Despite mutual accusations of truce violations, both Israel and Hamas have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire, according to reports by Xinhua.

Vance, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday, is set to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner were already in Israel ahead of his visit.