The US vice-president's visit comes after a flare-up of violence between Israel and Hamas that threatened to derail the 12-day-old truce.

A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was put on hold on Tuesday, as Moscow's rejection of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine cast a cloud over attempts at negotiations.

Israel and Hamas say they are committed to the ceasefire after clashes over the weekend. And, lawmakers not feeling the pressures of the government shutdown.

The vice president said that while he can't have "100% certainty that it's going to work," he has "great optimism the ceasefire is going to hold."

President Trump threatened to "eradicate" Hamas if it continues to violate a ceasefire the US helped broker between the militant group and Israel.

International military strategist Darin Gaub joined 'The Faulkner Focus' to discuss the latest on the peace efforts as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold and what's to come as VP JD Vance visits the Middle East.

Vice President Vance spoke today in Israel about the war in Gaza. MSNBC White House Correspondent Akayla Gardner reports more details. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) joins Ali Vitali to share his thoughts on the ceasefire agreement in the region and to weigh in on the government shutdown.