JAKARTA - United States Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire agreement for the Hamas-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip in a speech in Alabama Sunday, when she is scheduled to receive a visit from the Israeli War Cabinet minister today.
"Given the magnitude of the scale of suffering in Gaza, a ceasefire must be carried out immediately," said Vice President Harris, quoted by CNN March 4.
"Hamas claim they want a ceasefire. Yes, there is a deal being discussed. And as we have said, Hamas must agree to the deal. Let's make a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's give immediate assistance to the Gaza people," said Vice President Harris.
Furthermore, Vice President Harris also reflected on the humanitarian crisis in the enclave, including the massacre in the aid convoy last Thursday.
"The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid (to Gaza)," he said.
"There is no reason," he said.
On this occasion, Vice President Harris also hoped for a ceasefire for the next six weeks that both parties could achieve.
"This is what will get the hostages out and a large amount of aid will come in. This will allow us to build something more lasting to ensure Israel's security and respect the Palestinian people's right to dignity, freedom and self-determination," said Vice President Harris, quoted by The Times of Israel.
Officials from Israel, Hamas and Qatar warned against US optimism that a deal could be reached as soon as Monday, suggesting differences still exist. Israel itself did not attend talks in Cairo on Sunday, according to a country official, saying Hamas had not responded to the country's requirements to negotiate a ceasefire.
On Saturday, a senior Biden Administration official told reporters Israel "has basically accepted" a six-week ceasefire proposal and is awaiting an answer from Hamas.
Negotiations say they are trying to get the deal done just in early Ramadan, which starts next Sunday.
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Vice President Harris is expected to meet with Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz on Monday, a White House official told CNN.
The two are expected to discuss a hostage-taking deal that will allow a six-week ceasefire and a wave of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In addition, Gantz will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday, according to a schedule shared by his office.
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