US State Department: Rubio reiterates Washington's support for "Tel Aviv's efforts" against Hamas

The US State Department reported on Saturday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a phone call with his French counterpart, during which they discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, most notably the war in Gaza and international efforts to achieve a ceasefire.

According to a statement issued by the State Department, Rubio reiterated Washington's support for what he described as "Tel Aviv's efforts" to confront Hamas during the call, affirming the United States' commitment to the release of all detainees in the Gaza Strip.

The two ministers also discussed developments in the Ukrainian crisis, with Rubio stressing the importance of continuing direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv as the only way to achieve lasting peace and end the war that has been ongoing for more than two years, according to the US State Department.