Large crowds of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday, launching a nationwide grassroots strike and widespread protests to demand the government secure the release of 50 hostages still in Gaza.

Families of hostages held in Gaza are stepping up their campaign to secure their release by holding a strike across Israel.

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.