Massive crowds took to the streets across Israel on Sunday, staging nationwide protests and strikes to urge the government to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas, aimed at securing the return of all hostages and ending military offensives in Gaza. The protests, which began Sunday morning in multiple cities, opposed the Netanyahu government's plan to expand the war in Gaza. Demonstrators blocked highways and major routes between cities, bringing traffic to a standstill, while holding placards, beating drums, and chanting to voice their demands. A group representing Israeli hostages and victims’ families called for a nationwide strike to protest the government's decision to expand military operations in Gaza. In a major demonstration in Jerusalem, protesters shut down a central road, halting traffic in the city center. "As the government plans to expand the war, which will kill the hostages, which will lead to many innocent deaths in Gaza, and we want to stop it before it's too late," said Shahar, who joined the protest in Jerusalem. Some other participants in the rally said they wanted to show the world that many in Israel oppose the war. "We want the world to hear that there are other opinions in Israel. Not everyone is for the war. The majority, which is silent, is against the war, against the destruction of Gaza, and we hope for peace," said Adi. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which started in 2023, drags on and shows no sign of de-escalation, many protesters said they doubt there is any purpose in continuing the military operation in Gaza. "We don’t think that there is any purpose to the war anymore, and we need to end it for the sake of the Israelis and the sake of the Palestinians as well. We are worried about our people, and we are worried about the people of Gaza, and we want to bring peace and calm to the area," said Havis, another protester in Jerusalem. SHOTLIST: Jerusalem - Aug 17, 2025 1. Various of protesters marching on roads, holding placards; 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Shahar, protester (full name not given) (starting with shot 1): "As the government plans to expand the war, which will kill the hostages, which will lead to many innocent deaths in Gaza, and we want to stop it before it's too late."; 3. Protesters beating drums; 4. Protester holding placard; 5. Police officers; protesters; 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Adi, protester (full name not given): "We want the world to hear that there are other opinions in Israel. Not everyone is for the war. The majority, which is silent, is against the war, against the destruction of Gaza, and we hope for peace."; 7. Various of protesters marching on road; 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Havis, protester (full name not given) (starting with shot 7): "We don’t think that there is any purpose to the war anymore, and we need to end it for the sake of the Israelis and the sake of the Palestinians as well. We are worried about our people, and we are worried about the people of Gaza, and we want to bring peace and calm to the area."; 9. Protesters marching, holding flags, placards. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]