As Israel 'boycotts' discussions, US vice president Kamala Harris demands 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

Israel has reportedly declined to participate in the latest peace negotiations, even though a Hamas delegation is currently in Egypt. Israeli media reports that Hamas has not replied to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's two inquiries.

Vice President Kamala Harris called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza and demanded that the Israeli government provide increased supplies without any excuses.

Ms. Harris proposed a six-week ceasefire to release Israeli captives and provide significant aid to the conflict-stricken Palestinian territory.

She described the situation as "inhumane" and a "humanitarian catastrophe," emphasizing that people were "starving" and urging Israel to enhance the provision of life-saving aid. Her comments on the situation are considered some of the most forceful voiced by a high-ranking US official.

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The vice president also emphasized that Hamas must accept the plan that is now on the table.

"Let's negotiate a truce." Let us reunite the families of the captives. "Let's offer urgent relief to the Gaza population," she exclaimed.

Israel has reportedly declined to participate in the latest peace negotiations, even though a Hamas delegation is now in Egypt.

Israeli media reports that Hamas has not replied to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inquiries over the list of surviving hostages in Gaza and the number of Palestinian prisoners Hamas seeks to be released for each captive.

Ms Harris has a meeting arranged with Israeli politician Benny Gantz on Monday. Gantz will also meet with members of Congress from both Republican and Democratic parties in Washington, as well as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Mr. Gantz, a centrist political opponent, has faced criticism from Prime Minister Netanyahu for his scheduled meetings in the United States while being a member of the war cabinet.

The Likud party spokeswoman indicated that Mr. Gantz needed authorization from the leader to attend.

The individual further mentioned that the Prime Minister had a serious conversation with Mr Gantz about the trip and clarified that there is only one leader in the country.

According to an official, Mr Gantz notified the Prime Minister of his intention to travel to the US and synchronize their communication strategies.

Mr. Netanyahu's hardline cabinet, comprised of ultra-nationalists, has increasingly obstructed US initiatives in the area. At times, Mr Gantz's moderate National Unity party counterbalances the far-right supporters of the PM.

Mr Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden disagree on how to reduce Palestinian suffering in Gaza and develop a post-war strategy for the region.

Following the deaths of numerous Palestinians during a food collection rush last Thursday, the US delivered aid to Gaza via airdrop on Saturday.

Ms Harris stated during a speech in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday that people in Gaza are suffering from starvation. We need to intervene due to the dire circumstances and our shared humanity.

The Israeli government must take more action to significantly increase the humanitarian aid provided. No explanations.

Negotiators are going back to Egypt to try to achieve a resolution before Ramadan starts in a week, according to a senior US source who characterized the path to a ceasefire as "straightforward" with a proposed deal already available.

Before the Cairo talks, seen as the final stage before a six-week ceasefire, the unidentified official communicated with the news agency Reuters.

Earlier on Sunday, the United States announced that a deal had been "more or less accepted" by Israel and was pending approval from the terrorist Hamas group.

A Palestinian official mentioned that the agreement was still being determined when the Hamas party arrived. Hamas reportedly insisted on a long-term truce as a condition for any agreement.

The crisis began on October 7, 2018, when Hamas initiated a cross-border attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of over 250 others.

Israel responded with attacks and a significant ground invasion in Gaza, resulting in over 30,000 casualties, with over two-thirds being women and children, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.

Out of the 2.3 million residents, almost 80% have evacuated their residences, and hundreds of thousands are at risk of famine, as per UN organizations.

Almost 100 hostages have been liberated in Gaza.