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"Our focus, our goal, every single action we take, every statement we make is with the objective of reducing the violence and bringing an end to the conflict on the ground," Psaki told reporters.

But, she added, not every effort would be public.

"There are times, in diplomacy, where we'll need to keep those conversations quieter," she said.

A growing chorus of countries, including U.S. allies France, Germany and Jordan have called for a cease-fire between Israel and militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but President Joe Biden has not made that appeal.

He's repeatedly said that Israel has the right to defend itself from attack.

Pressed by reporters as to why the White House had not called for a cease-fire, Psaki said the Biden Administration instead opted for "quiet, intensive diplomacy" to end the conflict.