China warns against interference in Nigeria’s affairs after US threat of military action
The Chinese government says it firmly supports the President Bola Tinubu administration as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions”.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, said “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force”.
Ning was answering a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudulent recruitment messages circulating online, as the 2025 paramilitary recruitment exercise enters a crucial phase.
In a statement posted on its official X handle late Wednesday, the board clarified that it will not contact applicants through email or SMS, stressing that all legitimate updates are available only on its portal.
It urged applicants to visit the site to update their profiles and print examination slips, as part of the ongoing shortlisting process.
“CDCFIB will not send emails or SMS to applicants. Visit our portal, and once shortlisted, update your profile to print your examination slip.
“Follow the instructions carefully. Beware of scammers,” the Board said.
The CDCFIB’s warning follows the release of names of candidates shortlisted for the paramilitary agencies’ computer-based test.
In a statement on Wednesday, the secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, urged candidates who applied for recruitment into any of the four paramilitary agencies to visit its official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng from Thursday to check if they had been shortlisted.
“From Thursday, October 30, 2025, candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the exercise, as well as centres for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
“Shortlisted candidates are further requested to take note of the venue, date, as well as time scheduled for the CBT,” he said.
The statement enjoined applicants to take note of the correct portal address highlighted to avoid being scammed.
PUNCH Online reports that the agencies are the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Military investigation into the alleged coup plot has reportedly uncovered a trail of N45 billion disbursed from the bank accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission to some politically exposed persons and the soldiers detained in connection with the rumoured conspiracy to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.
However, the military, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied the report linking the detention of the16 military officers to a failed coup.
Multiple reports on Tuesday stated that some Nigerian Army personnel raided the Abuja residence of ex-governor Timipre Sylva, also a former Minister of State for Petroleum, in connection with the alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Sequel to the discovery, the Defence Intelligence Agency investigators grilled some top NDDC officials about the sources of the fund, beneficiaries and how it was utilised.
The development has set off panic alarms at the NDDC headquarters over alleged links to the financing of subversive activities.
The Federal Government had also denied the coup plot against Tinubu’s administration. The Defence Headquarters described reports of a coup attempt as “false, misleading, and malicious” and stated that 16 military officers in custody are being investigated for professional misconduct, not a coup plot.
While details of the interrogation of the NDDC officials remain unclear, investigators are said to be scrutinising a series of high-value transactions carried out in recent months allegedly linked to politically-exposed persons.
They include a shoreline project awarded to a former governor in the South-South to the tune of N45bn, some of which allegedly found its way to the account of some of the detained officers.
Security sources with knowledge of the ongoing probe confirmed that the interrogation of the NDDC top shots was “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds.”
Sources in the NDDC disclosed to The PUNCH that many top officials are apprehensive that the development may trigger a broader probe into the commission’s financial dealings.
They affirmed that the invitation of the top NDDC executives had triggered widespread anxiety among senior officials.
According to one insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Since the news broke about the interrogation of the top shots, the atmosphere here has been uneasy. Many directors are being cautious about their movements and communications.”
Some executive directors who maintain close administrative ties with the embattled NDDC top shots are said to be worried about the development.
The development has sparked intense speculation within the commission, with staff expressing concern that the investigation could widen and implicate other senior officials.
The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined comments when asked about the quizzing of the commission’s officials.
Meanwhile, Sylva has denied alleged involvement in the coup plot.
His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, said the rumour in some quarters is the handiwork of ‘’desperate and self-seeking politicians trying to actualise their ambitions in 2027.’’
On Wednesday, The PUNCH reported how Sylva’s Abuja home was raided by Defence Intelligence Agency operatives probing the controversial plot to forcefully change the government.
During the raid, which took place on Saturday, the operatives arrested Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and also took his driver into custody.
The former Bayelsa governor and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.
The media aide disclosed that the operatives did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence during the operation, noting that the two men that were arrested have yet to be released from custody.
Bokoru explained that no reason was provided for the raid. He further clarified that the former governor’s Yenagoa residence was not raided by the operatives.
He confirmed that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were out of the country at the time.
Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend “a professional conference.”
He said, “It’s not true. It is the handiwork of people in the state APC who are concerned about their governorship ambition in 2027,” he stated.
“Those doing this are in the state APC. It is about the 2027 governorship ambition. They are appointees of the Federal Government and instead of focusing on their work, they are playing local toxic politics.
‘’Such wicked politicians took their desperation to a nauseating level following Sylva’s intimidating political presence and credibility that had continued to expose their self-serving ambitions and evil agenda.”
Bokoru also said Sylva’s driver, as well as his younger brother, Paga, who were whisked away by the operatives on Saturday, were yet to be released from custody.
He disclosed that the operatives of the Defence Headquarters did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence when they raided it last Saturday.
However, a close associate of Sylva told The PUNCH that several parts of the house were damaged following Saturday’s raid.
He said, “Expensive doors were destroyed while a number of other household appliances were ransacked and scattered during the raid but nothing incriminating was found.”
He dismissed allegations linking the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to Sylva as part of the coup plot.
Ogbuku was the Chief of Staff to Sylva while he was Bayelsa governor.
When contacted, Ogbuku denied he was arrested. In a short message to our correspondent, he said, “I’m not aware of such. Just the way you are seeing it is the same way I’m seeing it too on social media.”
Earlier, in a statement on Wednesday, titled, ‘Setting the record straight on recent false reports about Sylva,’ Bokoru denied Sylva’s reported involvement in the alleged coup plot.
He insisted that his principal was not involved in the planning or logistics of any coup.
The statement read, “In the past 48 hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has “fled” the country in connection with certain purported matters.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.
“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.
“It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.
“As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.
“The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.
“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot.
“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.’’
The statement further added, “His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.
“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle—a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions.”
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday, received 23 abductees rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army, warning that kidnappers and other criminal elements “have no place in Kwara State.”
The victims were handed over to the Governor at the headquarters of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, following their release by the Army after weeks in captivity.
Speaking during the brief handover ceremony, AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Armed Forces and President Bola Tinubu for their support in the ongoing military operations to clear out bandits and kidnappers from forests across the state.
“We thank God that you were all freed following pressure from the security forces. We also thank the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army for this success,” the Governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
“We are glad to see 23 victims freed today. The government will support your rehabilitation. The challenges we are facing are temporary. It is either these criminals leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony.”
AbdulRazaq commended the General Officer Commanding and the new Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Nicholas Nemetne Rume, for their renewed onslaught against criminal elements in the state, adding that their deployment has restored calm to previously troubled areas.
He disclosed that the state government would immediately deploy forest guards once the ongoing Army “clean-up operations” are concluded to maintain peace and enable displaced farmers to return to their farmlands.
“The GOC has been on the ground for two weeks, and since he came, we’ve seen a turnaround. Many criminals have been arrested or neutralised. Peace is being restored to Kwara,” the Governor added.
On his part, Brigadier General Rume praised the Governor for his support of the Army, vowing to sustain pressure on the kidnappers until they are completely flushed out of the state.
“Your Excellency, without the state government’s support, most of our operations would not have been possible,” Rume said.
“The GOC’s order is clear it is either the bandits leave Kwara State or they die here. That’s the only mandate I have, and we will continue to do our best to achieve it.”
One of the rescued victims, Pastor Obafemi, recounted his ordeal in captivity, describing the experience as “traumatic.”
“It was a very painful experience being held against our will,” he said. “I thank the Governor and the troops for rescuing us. God will continue to strengthen them to overcome the people tormenting us.”
Kwara, once regarded as one of the most peaceful states in North Central Nigeria, has in recent months witnessed a surge in kidnapping and banditry, particularly in parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi local government areas.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have since launched coordinated operations to dislodge the criminal networks believed to have infiltrated the state from neighbouring Niger and Kogi states.
AbdulRazaq has repeatedly assured residents that his administration will continue to support security agencies with logistics, intelligence, and welfare packages to ensure that the state remains safe for residents and investors.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, on Tuesday disclosed that the National Assembly has received threats from terrorists to bomb the complex and called for urgent fortification of the edifice as a proactive measure.
Garba disclosed this in Abuja at a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, which seeks to enhance security management, protect the lawmakers, staff members and visitors to the nation’s parliament.
The edifice housing the Senate, the House of Representatives and sundry offices, he said, has been facing security challenges, including cases of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
PUNCH Online recalls a similar incident on May 4, 2021, a security alert warned lawmakers of a planned Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly complex and other VIP/government locations in Abuja. In response, security measures were intensified, including strict vehicle checks that caused significant congestion at the gates.
Lawmakers were advised to use the less-congested presidential gate for safer access. The alert underscored concerns over Boko Haram’s growing threat, with insurgents reportedly operating as close as Niger State, near the Federal Capital Territory.
Following the alert, the National Assembly limited members’ presence on the premises for safety, and security experts called for stronger federal protection of national infrastructure and assets.
Garba said, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly.
“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.
“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate the legislative activities in the National Assembly. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large.
The Kano lawmaker noted that robust security management requires a holistic and coordinated approach, integrating multi-layered approaches to secure the National Assembly environment to enable lawmakers to discharge their duties in an atmosphere of peace.
“That is why this bill is important. It seeks to address all the challenges as aforesaid and adopt the world’s best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture.
“The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasised because parliament has to remain accessible to the public. However, this bill is committed to ensuring the best security architecture in the National Assembly — to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property,” he said.
He urged State Houses of Assembly to take urgent steps to protect their complexes nationwide.
He called for support among stakeholders to ensure the quick passage of the bill, describing it as a major step toward securing Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“I wish us a peaceful and fruitful hearing that will ultimately bring a turnaround in the National Assembly’s security architecture,” he said.
Brigadier-General Nicholas Rume has assumed duty as the 23rd Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ilorin, with a pledge to strengthen the fight against banditry and other forms of insecurity in Kwara and adjoining states.
His appointment followed the recent posting and redeployment of senior officers across the Nigerian Army, as approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
The development was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Captain Stephen Nwankwo.
According to the statement, the formal handing and taking over ceremony between Rume and his predecessor, Brigadier General Ezra Bawa Barkins, took place on Thursday at the Brigade Headquarters, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.
“The event featured the signing of the handing and taking-over notes, a farewell address to troops by the outgoing Commander, and the symbolic presentation of the command flag to the incoming Commander,” the statement read.
It added that the ceremony climaxed with the hoisting of a new Brigade flag at the Quarter Guard, symbolising the commencement of a new era in the leadership of the Brigade.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Commander, Barkins, expressed gratitude to the COAS for the opportunity to serve, while commending officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their loyalty and professionalism.
He said, “I appreciate every officer and soldier for their unflinching support throughout my tenure. I urge you to extend the same level of loyalty and cooperation to my successor to ensure continued operational success.”
He further urged troops to remain disciplined and focused, particularly as the Brigade intensifies operations to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities within its area of responsibility, covering parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
The statement also quoted the new Commander, Rume, as assuring that he would build on the achievements of his predecessor and further enhance synergy with other security agencies to strengthen internal security in the region.
“Fighting insecurity requires teamwork, discipline, and professionalism. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and safety for our people”, Rume said.
Rume added that the 22 Armoured Brigade remains a key formation in the North Central region, actively involved in supporting counter-banditry, anti-kidnapping, and anti-illegal mining operations.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining peace and protecting lives and property in Kwara State and beyond.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations across Borno and Yobe States.
The Nigerian military said the simultaneous attacks occurred between midnight and 4am on Thursday when terrorists launched assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo and Katarko, situated within Sectors 1 and 2 of the Joint Operations Area 1.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri, said the troops fought gallantly and professionally, repelling the attacks and inflicting devastating losses on the terrorists.
The statement reads “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) with renewed vigour successfully defeated terrorist attacks on multiple locations across the Joint Operations Area in the early hours of today, 23 October 2025.
“Between midnight and 0400 hours, the terrorists launched coordinated assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, situated in Sector 1(Borno State) and Sector 2 (Yobe State), respectively.
“In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy, decisive and bloody blow.”
Uba further explained that the coordinated ground and air operations, backed by precision strikes from the Air Component of OPHK, led to the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations.
“The coordinated offensive response was supported by air platforms of the Air Component Command of OPHK. The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by Theatre Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force
“The combined ground and air efforts resulted in the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations”, he said.
According to him, troops also recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, seven PKT machine guns, five RPG tubes, two GPMGs, hand grenades, and thousands of assorted rounds of ammunition after the clashes.
“The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by the Theatre’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force,” Uba added.
He disclosed that over 70 wounded terrorists were being pursued by ground troops, with the Air Component maintaining close coordination to ensure total clearance of the fleeing remnants.
Intelligence reports, he said, indicated that the attackers who stormed Dikwa and Gajibo manoeuvred from the Cameroon axis, while those who attacked Katarko emerged from the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious terrorist enclave.
Uba said some gallant troops sustained injuries but were in stable condition, while some vehicles and buildings in Mafa and Dikwa were gutted by fire following RPG and drone attacks by the terrorists.
“Some of the gallant troops were wounded in action but are in stable condition. Some vehicles and buildings were also gutted by fire from the terrorists’ armed drones and RPG fire during the battle, especially in Mafa and Dikwa, where a part of the defences were momentarily breached”, he stated.
He noted that despite the heavy onslaught, the troops maintained control of all their positions and repelled the coordinated strikes with renewed strength and professionalism.
“The Military High Command has commended the gallantry, doggedness and renewed charge of the troops. Their steadfast performance once again reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve and capacity to defend the nation’s territorial integrity,” he concluded.
A yet-to-be-identified tricycle rider has been killed by a stray bullet outside a brothel in the Badore area of Ajah, Lagos State.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
It was gathered that the deceased had gone to the brothel to relax after the day’s work, but later stepped out to purchase an item from a nearby shop.
The assailants, whose number could not be ascertained, thereafter stormed the area and began shooting sporadically.
A police source in the area, who spoke to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said one of the stray bullets struck the tricycle rider, killing him on the spot.
“We were told that the man had just finished work that evening and went to the brothel to relax and have fun. Shortly after, he stepped out to buy bottled water since the one sold inside was a bit expensive. While he was at a nearby shop, some men believed to be cultists drove past the area and started shooting aimlessly. One of the bullets hit him, and he died instantly,” the source narrated.
A resident who was privy to the incident but did not want his name in print due to the nature of the incident told our correspondent that the attack was carried out by suspected cultists.
According to the resident, the shooting was allegedly targeted at a rival in the community.
“We discovered that the shooting was cult-related. Although we did not know their numbers, those who witnessed it said they were in a blue Toyota Corolla when they drove past the area while shooting anyhow before the man was hit by a bullet.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos police command, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.
According to her, the lifeless body of the deceased was found on the spot in the morning.
“The attention of the police was called to the incident the following morning, and his corpse was found where the incident had happened. His body was taken to the morgue. His family was contacted, and the body has been handed over to them for burial.”
PUNCH Metro reported on October 2 that a fresh graduate of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, simply identified as Taoreed, was struck by a stray bullet during a clash between rival cult groups in the community.
The killing adds to a growing list of cult-related shootings that have been witnessed in some parts of the state in the past few months.
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives for frozen foods across the country.
The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought before the Green Chamber in plenary by the member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, Imo State, Hon Chike Okafor, on Wednesday.
Some non-governmental organisations operating in the health sector have been consistent in their outcry over the alleged use of dangerous chemicals, including formalin, sodium hydroxide, snipers, kerosene and carbide as preservatives in frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other food items in Nigerian markets.
There are reports from regulatory bodies, health experts, and media investigations revealing that some of the chemicals used for embalming corpses, industrial processes, and ripening fruits are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.
These chemicals pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for developmental disorders (autism) in children, cancer, organ damage, and other life-threatening health conditions for countless Nigerians, as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association.
Drawing his colleagues’ attention to the significance of the motion, Okafor expressed concern over the alleged reckless use of dangerous chemicals in the preservation of perishable food items in Nigeria.
He said, “The House is concerned that most frozen products imported into Nigeria are preserved using carcinogenic substances. These are substances or radiations that are agents directly involved in causing cancer. Some eateries use certain harmful substances, including Dimethylpolysiloxane (a silicon-based polymer used in various applications like lubricants, conditioning agents and de-foamers) to prepare chicken.
“Some also use Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone, a chemical preservative so deadly that just five grams can kill a human being.”
He expressed worry that relevant agencies saddled with this responsibility have been accused of surface complicity and sometimes “Often overlooking the dangerous menace that despite previous resolutions and warnings, the illegal practice persists due to weak enforcement, corruption, and lack of public awareness.”
Okafor added that with Nigeria’s Food Safety Bill, 2023, and the mandate of agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health to safeguard public health, the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security will do everything possible to safeguard the health of Nigerians.
With the adoption of the motion, the House called on the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant agencies to appear before the investigative Committee to “Provide valued information on their effort to curb the dangerous trend.”
It also mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC and Safety Standards to conduct “An investigative hearing on the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives of frozen foods and importation of frozen foods preserved with carcinogenic substances and report back to the House within six legislative weeks.”
United States Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday of the tough task ahead in disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure its ally Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.
Vance met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the second day of a trip to Israel, part of a diplomatic blitz in support of the US-brokered plan to end the fighting, recover hostages and, eventually, rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.
“We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza, to make life better for the people of Gaza, but also to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel,” Vance said.
Vance had kicked off the three-day visit on Tuesday by opening the Civil-Military Coordination Centre in southwest Israel, where US and allied troops will work with Israeli forces to monitor the truce and to oversee aid to Gaza.
Turkish troops?
“A lot of our Israeli friends working together with a lot of Americans to actually mediate this entire ceasefire process, to get some of the critical infrastructure off the ground, ” Vance said, after talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
Vance cited an “international security force” as one of the bodies that would have to be set up. Under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, this military mission would keep the peace in Gaza as Israel withdraws.
Several US allies are considering joining the force, but no American troops would be on the ground inside Gaza, instead coordinating from the CMCC in Kiryat Gat, Israel.
Reports that Israel’s outspoken critic and regional rival Turkey could provide troops have rattled Israeli opinion.
Netanyahu said decisions on the new security force would be made in discussion with the United States, but on Turkey’s role he said: “I have very strong opinions about that. You want to guess what they are?”
‘Great optimism’
Despite an eruption of violence on Sunday, when two soldiers were killed and Israel responded with a deadly wave of air strikes, Vance expressed “great optimism” that the ceasefire would hold and the plan to end the war proceed.
Netanyahu and his wife Sara welcomed Vance and the US Second Lady Usha Vance to his office and the couples sat down for breakfast, followed by a working meeting and a televised news conference.
The Israeli leader, who has been criticised by some domestic opponents for accepting the US-backed ceasefire before Hamas was fully destroyed and before all the remains of deceased hostages are returned, defended the deal.
“We’ve been able to do two things. Put the knife up to Hamas’s throat. That was the military effort guided by Israel,” he said, thanking Trump for his diplomatic efforts in the broader Middle East, smoothing relations with Israel’s neighbours.
“And the other effort was to isolate Hamas and the Arab and Muslim world, which I think the president did brilliantly with his team. So those two things produced the hostages,” Netanyahu said.
Vance also championed the Gaza deal’s role as a “critical piece in unlocking the Abraham Accords” — a Trump administration plan to build relations between Israel and its former foes in the Arab world.
‘Very, very fragile’
Israel responded to its soldiers’ deaths on Sunday with an intense wave of bombings that the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry said killed 45 Palestinians. Hamas denies any role in the killings.
Despite the violence, Hamas has continued to hand over the remains of deceased hostages in small numbers as part of the ceasefire deal, and Palestinians have welcomed the truce, their cities lying in ruins.
Displaced civilian Imran Skeik, 34, living in a tent in Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City, told AFP: “The situation is much better — the war has stopped, and there are no sounds of bombs and shelling like before.
“We hope the ceasefire continues and that Israel and Hamas both stick to it. We’ve started to get some rest, but there are still many problems. Will we have to stay in tents — another kind of suffering?”
Hostage remains
The Israeli military said Wednesday the remains of two more hostages returned the day before had been identified as Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar.
Zalmanovich, 85 at the time of his death, was abducted from his home in kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity on November 17, 2023, the military said.
The soldier Adar, 38 when he died, was killed while fighting to defend Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken captive, it said.
The militants have now released 15 of the 28 hostage bodies pledged to be returned under the deal, but Hamas has said the search is hampered by the level of destruction in the territory.
The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,229 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the UN considers credible.
Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
