Tel Aviv [Israel], August 18: Thousands of protesters in Israel have taken to the streets demanding an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to free captives held there.
Israeli schools, businesses and public transport have been shut down, with demonstrations planned in major cities as part of a national day of action by two groups representing a number of the families of captives and bereaved families.
Protesters, who fear further fighting could endanger the 50 captives believed to remain in Gaza, only about 20 of whom are thought to be alive, chanted: "We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages." "Military pressure doesn't bring hostages back - it only kills them," former captive Arbel Yehoud said at a demonstration in Tel Aviv's so-called "Hostage Square".
"The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games." Police said they had arrested 32 as part of the nationwide demonstration - one of the fiercest since the uproar over six captives found dead in Gaza last September.
Sunday's rallies came just days after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to advance on Gaza City. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune