Several US Democratic lawmakers have renewed calls for an Israeli-Hamas ceasefire in reaction to the killing of six hostages in a tunnel under Gaza, while Republicans criticised President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not giving stronger support to Israel, Reuters reports.

Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said in a post on X that he was “heartbroken and devastated” by the news of Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s death, echoing sentiments of other US officials and lawmakers.

Republican lawmakers did not urge a stronger push for ceasefire negotiations, with some blaming the Biden-Harris administration for not supporting Israel strongly enough.

“They continue to encourage and embolden Hamas,” with calls for a ceasefire, said Republican Senator Tom Cotton.

Asked what Netanyahu’s government should do in the face of growing protests in Israel, Cotton said: “I would urge him to finish the job against Hamas, which is exactly what Kamala Harris and Joe Biden should have done from the very beginning.”

In a statement released by the White House just before midnight on Saturday, Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, did not call for a ceasefire and condemned Hamas for the deaths.

“Hamas is an evil terrorist organisation. With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world,” Harris said.