Israel found Hamas money source in '18, took no action

FRIENDLY-FIRE DEATHS OF HOSTAGES Calls grow louder for war pause by Israel Netanyahu may be forced to rethink Gaza strategy

- 

Israel's government faced local protests and calls for a ceasefire some of its closest European allies on Sunday after a series of shootings, including of three hostages who were waving a white flag, added to mounting concerns about its conduct in the 10week-old war in Gaza.

Lo The fatal shooting could give momentum to those pushing for a new cease-fire to allow for more hostages to be released.

Israel stepped up its bombardment of Gaza overnight and into Sunday, killing at least 40 people, Palestinians said, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that the only way to secure the release of hostages was intense military pressure on Hamas.

Israel opened a direct crossing for aid into Gaza for the first time on Sunday in its more than two-month-old war on Hamas while also stepping up attacks on the Palestinian enclave, saying military pressure was the only way its hostages would be freed.