Vice President Kamala Harris called for an “immediate cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war Sunday, doubling down on pressure from the Biden administration as negotiations continue for a six-week pause in fighting.
“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire at least for the next six weeks, which is currently on the table,” she said in the Selma, Ala., speech.
President Biden has urged the Israeli government to agree to a six-week cease-fire for weeks, amid tense negotiations with Hamas.
The Israeli government agreed to the framework of a proposed six-week cease-fire on Saturday, The Associated Press reported, a sign of progress in negotiations.
Harris is set to meet with Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, on Monday at the White House to discuss the cease-fire deal and humanitarian aid, The New York Times reported.
The scheduled meeting reportedly draws the ire of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who did not authorize the trip, according to The Times of Israel.