Nationwide Strikes and Violence in Israel Demanding Deal with Hamas

Darwin, August 18 —Widespread strikes and protests have erupted across Israel as citizens demand a deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. Reports of violence have also emerged during the demonstrations.

According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, hundreds of thousands of people participated in nationwide strikes and protests on Sunday. Demonstrators blocked major roads, including Tel Aviv’s central Ayalon Highway and roads leading to the Ministry of Defense headquarters.

Protesters set tires on fire on some roads. So far, police have arrested over 23 demonstrators. In many places, force was used to disperse crowds. In Jerusalem, security forces used water cannons against protesters.

In central Tel Aviv, a truck reportedly attempted to ram into protesters from the Nir Oz community near the Gaza border. In another incident at the Ra’anana junction in central Israel, protesters claimed they were attacked by a truck driver.

Demonstrations were also held outside the residences of several ministers, including Education Minister Yoav Kisch and Science Minister Gila Gamliel.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that seven Palestinians, including two children, died in the past 24 hours due to starvation and malnutrition. Additionally, at least 11 people were killed since dawn—six of whom were reportedly waiting in line for humanitarian aid. These details were confirmed to Al Jazeera by officials at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.