Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to recovering the remains of hostages killed in Gaza, emphasizing that the effort remains a top priority under President Trump’s Middle East peace initiative.

Speaking during an update from Israel, Vance expressed deep sympathy for the families of those who lost loved ones during the conflict and underscored that their repatriation is an ongoing mission requiring patience and coordination.

“It is a focus of everybody here to get those bodies back home to their families so that they can have a proper burial,” Vance said. “This is going to take a little bit of time.”

The statement comes as international mediators and security teams continue working under the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire, signed on October 14, 2025, to facilitate the return of both surviving and deceased hostages held by Hamas.

According to officials familiar with the process, progress has been steady but challenging due to the complex security environment and logistical barriers within Gaza. The Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), established as part of the ceasefire framework, has been central in coordinating communications and ensuring the safe transfer of hostages and remains.

Vance’s remarks highlight the human dimension of the ongoing peace process — balancing the pursuit of long-term stability with the immediate humanitarian task of bringing closure to grieving families.

“Every family deserves the chance to lay their loved ones to rest,” a senior U.S. official added. “That is a promise we intend to keep.”

While challenges remain, officials say the U.S. continues to engage regional partners, including Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, to ensure that the recovery and repatriation process is handled with dignity and care.