US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her “deep concern” about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during a meeting on Monday with Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s military cabinet, according to a statement released by the White House and quoted by AFP.

She “urged Israel to take steps” to increase the flow of aid to the famine-stricken territory, but also “welcomed the constructive approach” of the Israeli authorities in the ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages held in Gaza, accompanied by a temporary cessation of hostilities.

The Democrat “called on Hamas to accept the terms on the table for the release of the hostages, which would lead to an immediate six-week ceasefire and allow for increased humanitarian aid.”

The meeting with Benny Gantz took place without press access.

The visit to Washington of this former defense minister, a member of the military cabinet, as well as a political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is causing excitement in Israel.

White House press secretary John Kirby said the visit was initiated by Benny Gantz, who was scheduled to meet with national security adviser Jake Sullivan and foreign policy chief Anthony Blinken.

Prime Minister Netanyahu did not hide his anger at the news that his political rival and member of the military cabinet had traveled to Washington without his consent, and instructed the Israeli embassy in the US not to accompany the minister on his political visit or receive him under time of visit his stay in Washington.

Benjamin Netanyahu would rebuke Benny Gantz for taking the initiative to go to Washington, stressing that there is “only one prime minister” in Israel.