Protesters in Israel demand release of hostages as Gaza strikes kill 16

An Israeli flag waves over debris in an area of the Gaza Strip (Maya Levin/AP)

Protesters in Israel have set fir to tyres, blocked major roads and demanded a ceasefire that would free hostages still in Gaza, as Israeli leaders pressed ahead with plans for an offensive which they argue is needed to crush Hamas.

The disruption came as Palestinians in Gaza braced for the expanded offensive against a backdrop of displacement, destruction and parts of the territory plunging into famine.