Family and Friends Mourn Israeli Soldier Killed in Gaza | VOA News

Friends and family mourned on December 19 an Israeli army reservist officer who was killed in fighting in Gaza. Captain Rotem Yoseff Levy, 24, was killed amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

The head of the CIA jetted to Europe for talks with Israeli and Qatari officials Monday, sounding out the potential for a deal on a new cease-fire and the release of hostages in Gaza, as the U.S. defense secretary spoke to Israeli military leaders about scaling back major combat operations against Hamas.

Still, there was no sign that a shift in the war was imminent after more than two months of devastating bombardment and fighting. Fierce battles raged in northern Gaza, where residents said rescue workers were searching for the dead and the living under buildings flattened by Israeli strikes.

Pressure is growing, as France, the U.K. and Germany — some of Israel's closest allies — joined global calls for a cease-fire over the weekend. Israeli protesters have demanded the government relaunch talks with Hamas on releasing more hostages after three were mistakenly killed by Israeli troops while waving a white flag. #Gaza #Israel #reels #videography #voanews