US VP Harris calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris says there must be an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, given the "immense scale of suffering" in the enclave.

Harris described the situation in Gaza as a "humanitarian catastrophe" during a speech in the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday.

She said: "The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow aid. No excuses."

Harris made the remarks amid uncertainty over talks between Israel and Hamas on a pause in fighting and the release of hostages.

Negotiations are believed to be underway after delegates from Hamas and Qatar and other mediators reportedly arrived in Cairo in Egypt on Sunday.

But Israeli media said the country has not sent a delegation because Hamas has failed to present a list of the hostages who are still alive.

The Israeli military said on Sunday that an airstrike on Gaza killed a senior Hamas member.

The death toll in the enclave has reached 30,534 as Israel steps up military pressure.

It remains unclear whether there will be a pause in fighting before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, or if Gaza's humanitarian situation will improve even temporarily