US President Barack Obama has backed Israeli's right to self-defence, but

warned against escalation in Gaza.

Speaking to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, he underlined his
support for Israel's right to defend itself against Palestinian militants.
But he said he was "deeply concerned" about civilian losses, with the Palestinian
death toll now over 300.
Fifteen Palestinians were reported killed in two incidents on Saturday morning,
including a family of eight.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will arrive in the region on Saturday to try to
mediate between Israel and Hamas.
Mr Ban's visit would aim to help Israelis and Palestinians "end the violence and
find a way forward", UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman said.