Vance, along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are in Israel for high-level meetings, as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues. Both sides have accused the other of violations. Israel has said Hamas is delaying return of some hostage remains, a claim Hamas has denied.

Two more coffins have been returned from Gaza, containing what Hamas says are the remains of hostages.

"The illusion that Hamas will repent, or even abide by the agreement it signed, is proving -- as expected -- dangerous to our security," he added, calling for Hamas to be "completely annihilated".