WASHINGTON — On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to swiftly reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to facilitate the return of hostages held in Gaza since October 7.

In what Harris described as a “frank and constructive” conversation, she reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense while expressing deep concern about the high death toll in Gaza over nine months of conflict and the severe humanitarian crisis.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu met separately with President Joe Biden, who has also been advocating for a US-backed, three-phase deal between Israel and Hamas to secure the return of hostages and establish an extended ceasefire.

The White House stated that Biden discussed with Netanyahu “the need to close the remaining gaps, finalize the deal as soon as possible, bring the hostages home, and reach a durable end to the war in Gaza.” Biden and Netanyahu also talked about improving the flow of aid into Gaza and addressing the ongoing threat posed by Iranian-backed militant groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Harris tells Netanyahu ‘it is time’ to end the war in Gaza and bring the hostages home

Amid speculation about her potential candidacy as the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris echoed Biden’s longstanding call to end the brutal conflict in Gaza, where over 39,000 Palestinians have perished. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, especially after Netanyahu’s impassioned speech to Congress defending the war and pledging “total victory” against Hamas, with minimal mention of ceasefire talks.

“There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal,” Harris told reporters after her meeting with Netanyahu. “And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done.”