Protesters go on strike in Israel demanding ceasefire and hostage releases

Demonstrators block a road (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Protesters in Israel demanding their government make a deal to secure the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza escalated their campaign on Sunday, staging a strike that disrupted traffic and closed businesses.

The action, organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, marked a fresh push, weeks after militant groups released videos of hostages and Israel signalled plans for a new Gaza offensive.