Thousands of Israelis have joined a nationwide strike demanding a ceasefire deal to free the hostages and protesting against the government’s plan to occupy Gaza .

The strike, initiated by families of hostages, saw protesters taking to the streets across the nation on Sunday, blocking major highways with burning tyres, and staging demonstrations in front of government ministers’ homes.

Police used water cannons to disperse protestors who blocked Highway 16 in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, 25 people were arrested across the country for violating public order, according to the authorities.

Noga Gur Arye, the aunt of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, spoke at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning, saying her nephew is “40 metres underground”.

“He’s bound in chains, he’s severely wounded, he

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