Thousands took to the streets across Israel on Sunday to start a nationwide general strike, backed by the families of the hostages, demanding a cease-fire deal to free the captives and end the war

Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel Sunday calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages still held by militants, as the military prepares a new offensive.The protests come more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City,

Groups representing families of hostages organized the demonstrations as frustration grows in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza's most populated areas.