News Wrap: Israeli protesters pressure government in wake of hostage deaths

John Yang:

Good evening, I'm John Yang. Tonight fresh questions are being raised about the conduct of Israeli ground forces in Gaza after military officials said that the three hostages mistakenly killed were carrying a white flag and were shirtless. Both apparent efforts to show they were unarmed.

And Israeli military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the soldiers thought the three posed a threat. The official also said the troops violated Israel's rules of engagement, and the incident is being investigated at the highest level.

It's increased public pressure on the Israeli government to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the 129 or so remaining hostages. Hundreds of protesters blocked traffic in Tel Aviv last night.

Man (through translator):

We demand that the Israeli government talk to us today and explain to us what proposal is on the table. And don't wait for the USA. That's what is needed. If not, my child comes back in a bag and I'm sure none of you would want to see their child return in a bag.

John Yang:

In a news conference today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that new talks may be underway to recover the hostages.

For the first time ever a Roman Catholic Cardinal has been convicted by the Vatican Criminal Court. Cardinal Angelo Becciu was found guilty today of embezzlement and sentenced to five and a half years in prison. That ends a complicated two and a half year financial trial that aired some of the Vatican's dirty laundry, that she was acquitted of other charges including money laundering and abuse of office. His lawyer said they will appeal.

And Florida governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis escalated the war of words with Donald Trump saying that if the former president loses the Iowa caucuses next month, he'll cry fraud. DeSantis spoke with reporters in New Hampshire.

Ron DeSantis, Republican Presidential Candidate:

If Trump loses, he will say it's stolen no matter what. Absolutely. He will try to delegitimize the results.

I don't think there's been a single time he's ever been in competition for something where he didn't get it or he has where he's accepted. I don't think he will do that. So I think he's doing that. I think that that's to be expected, but I don't think people are going to buy it.

John Yang:

Trump currently has a commanding lead in the contest for the Republican presidential nomination. His campaign has accused DeSantis of trying to rig the Iowa caucuses and set his comments showed his true colors as a Democrat surrogate.

Still to come on PBS News Weekend, a look at the risks and rewards and prescribing the drug ketamine. And Northwestern University's Prison Education Program graduates its first class.