Obama calls for soldier's release
President Barack Obama has called for the unconditional and immediate release of an Israeli soldier who was apparently captured in a clash with Hamas militants.
Mr Obama said it will be difficult to put back together the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that collapsed. But he said the US will continue working toward a ceasefire. He said Israel committed to the ceasefire, but the ceasefire was violated.
Mr Obama says it is heartbreaking to see what is happening in Gaza and wants to see everything possible done to ensure Palestinian civilians are not killed.
He warned that Israel must be able to defend itself, but that irresponsible actions by Hamas have put civilians in danger.
The truce was brokered by the US and UN but collapsed less than two hours after it began.
Secretary of State John Kerry denounced as “outrageous” the militant attack that killed two Israeli soldiers and led to the alleged abduction.
