The U.S. State Department stated that Secretary Antony Blinken informed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that the escalation of tensions in the Middle East is not in the interest of any party.

Blinken emphasized, in a phone call between them yesterday, Friday, the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, according to Reuters.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Blinken reaffirmed the United States' steadfast commitment to Israel's security.

Concerns are increasing over the outbreak of a wide regional conflict as Iran and its allies have threatened to respond to the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and the assassination of prominent Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, alongside the U.S. bolstering its military presence in the region.