US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her “deep concern” about the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip during a meeting Monday with Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s wartime government, a White House press release said.

He urged “Israel to take steps” to increase aid deliveries to the Palestinian enclave whose majority population is threatened by famine, while he “welcomed the constructive approach” of the Israeli government in ongoing negotiations to release hostages held in the Strip. Gaza, which will be accompanied by a temporary cessation of hostilities.

Dimokratiki also said that Hamas must “accept the terms on the table for the release of the hostages that will result in an immediate six-week ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to increase.”

Her meeting with Benny Gantz became absent from the press.

The visit to Washington of the former defense minister, a minister without portfolio in the wartime government and a political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, caused a stir in Israel.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby assured that the visit was initiated by Benny Gantz.

His schedule includes meetings with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

“We are talking to all members of the wartime government, including Minister Gandhi,” and his visit is a “natural extension of those talks,” he said.

“A member of the government wants to come to the US, he wants to talk to us about the progress of the war, we are given the opportunity to discuss the importance of increasing humanitarian aid and a deal on hostages. We will not miss the opportunity,” added John Kirby.