Ceasefire in Gaza possible 'within 24 to 48 hours' if Israel accepts conditions, Harris calls for 'alleviating the catastrophe'

(Patria) - A senior Hamas official told AFP on Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza could be secured 'within 24 to 48 hours' if Israel accepts the Palestinian group's demands in ongoing negotiations.

'If Israel agrees to Hamas's demands, which include the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid, that would pave the way for a (ceasefire) agreement within the next 24 to 48 hours,' the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, as negotiations were set to resume in Cairo.

Cairo, Doha, and Washington have mediated weeks-long negotiations aimed at pausing the fighting in the nearly five-month war between Israel and Hamas triggered by the October 7 attacks.

Their goal was to secure a ceasefire by the start of the month of Ramadan, but hopes have been dashed by a series of failed talks.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and strongly pressed Israel to increase the flow of aid to ease what she described as 'inhumane' conditions and a 'humanitarian catastrophe' among the Palestinian people.

Her comments were among the strongest yet from a senior US government official, Reuters reports.

'People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act,' Harris said.

'The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. There are no excuses,' she added.

Israel boycotted Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list of hostages still alive, Israeli media reported.

'Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, a deal is on the table. And as we have said, Hamas must agree to that deal,' Harris said.

'Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And provide urgent relief to the people in Gaza,' she added.