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.

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,

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has pushed back against a proposal to control Gaza City, according to officials. One hard-right member of the government suggested he could be dismissed.

Released hostage Arbel Yehoud addresses the crowd at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square during the daylong protest being held as part of the nationwide strike opposing the government’s decision to expand the war in Gaza rather than negotiate a deal to return the remaining hostages.

A dispute over the course of the war in Gaza sparks public attacks from the far-right.

International condemnation is growing over Israel’s decision for a military takeover of Gaza City. And tens of thousands of Israelis rallied Saturday in what local media called one of the largest anti-government protests in months.

Germany will stop exporting military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, in response to Israel's decision to expand its operations in the Palestinian enclave's main city.

An NBC News analysis of satellite imagery and social media videos reveals Israel's network of fortifications outside its borders with Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Israel’s military chief warned against a full takeover of Gaza, according to three Israeli sources familiar with the discussions, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers ordering the “conquest’ of the besieged territory.

The agents cajoled people into acts of sabotage and even assassination plots. The cases have raised questions about greed, gullibility and loyalty.

The Israeli military operates a special unit known as the “Legitimization Cell” that exists to create propaganda justifying the military’s targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilians, particularly journalists,