Israeli protesters demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza attempted to shut down the country Sunday in one of the largest and fiercest protests in 22 months of war. Frustration is growing in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza's most populated areas.

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

Nearly two years of demonstrations have failed to push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas that would end the war and free the remaining captives.