"International Pressure Mounts on Israel for Ceasefire Following Controversial Hostage Incident in Gaza"

Israel is facing calls for a cease-fire from European allies and protesters at home after the killing of three hostages who waved a white flag, raising concerns about its conduct in the 10-week-old war in Gaza. The government may also face pressure to scale back major combat operations during U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit. The war has resulted in the flattening of large parts of northern Gaza, thousands of civilian deaths, and the displacement of most of the population. Calls for a new cease-fire have been made by France, the UK, and Germany, while protesters in Israel demand the resumption of hostage negotiations with Hamas.