Blinken to Gallant: Escalation in the Middle East is Not in Anyone's Interest

The U.S. State Department stated that Secretary Antony Blinken informed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a phone call on Friday that the escalation of tensions in the Middle East "is not in anyone's interest." The department added in a statement that Blinken emphasized to Gallant the need for a "ceasefire in Gaza," which would lead to the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory and "create a conducive environment for broader stability in the region."