Israeli protesters demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza attempted to shut down the country on Sunday (August 18) in one of the largest and fiercest protests in 22 months of war. Organisers, representing the families of hostages, claimed that hundreds of thousands of people took part. It follows frustration in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza’s most populated areas. Many Israelis fear that could further endanger the remaining hostages. Twenty of the 50 who