Israelis Join Nationwide Rallies to Call for Release of Hostages

Thousands of Israelis on Sunday joined rallies and a nationwide strike calling for the government to reach an immediate truce with Hamas to free hostages held in Gaza.

The day of protest came as Israeli forces geared up to expand their offensive throughout the Palestinian enclave, despite widespread international condemnation.

Families of the captives, along with their supporters, blocked several major roadways, waving Israeli flags and bearing signs featuring the hostages’ photographs. At least 32 people had been detained for disrupting public order by early afternoon, according to the Israeli police.

It was unclear how many people would join the planned day of action, which was expected to culminate with a large evening protest. The country’s largest labor association, the Histadrut, has declined to throw its weight behind the strike. And while some universities said they would participate, the work stoppage falls during the academic summer break, blunting its impact.

After nearly two years of war, Israel says about 20 surviving hostages and the bodies of roughly 30 more are still in Gaza. The debate over how to bring them back has split Israeli society, pitting the hostage families and their allies against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his government.

Arbel Yehud, an Israeli hostage freed in an exchange during a cease-fire, addressed Mr. Netanyahu at a demonstration in Tel Aviv and demanded he reach an accord with Hamas immediately for the sake of the remaining captives.