JERUSALEM: Israeli police blasted crowds with water cannons and made dozens of arrests on Sunday as protesters demanding a hostage deal escalated their campaign Sunday with a one-day nationwide strike that blocked roads and closed businesses. The “day of stoppage” was organized by two groups representing some of the families of hostages and bereaved families, weeks after militant groups released videos of emaciated hostages and Israel announced plans for a new offensive. Protesters fear further fighting could endanger the hostages who were seized by Hamas on Oct.

A year has passed since Israel's last mass protest. There have been smaller demonstrations – some more successful than others – but none have staged a full-day action with a…

Thousands are protesting for an Israel-Hamas agreement to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages across Israel on Saturday evening. Israelis are gathering en masse…