US Vice President Kamala Harris has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it is time to secure a Gaza ceasefire deal and the release of hostages.

Harris and Netanyahu met in Washington on Thursday to discuss the Gaza situation as fighting continues between Israeli forces and Hamas.

Speaking to reporters, Harris said she told Netanyahu that she will always ensure Israel is able to defend itself from Hamas and other militant groups.

She said she expressed serious concern about the scale of the human suffering in Gaza, including the deaths of an increasing number of civilians.

She also expressed her support for a two-state solution that President Joe Biden is seeking.

Harris is almost certain to be nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate after Biden withdrew from the race.

Observers are closely monitoring her views on what stance the US should take toward Israel. The Biden administration's continued military support for Israel has drawn criticism both inside and outside the US.