Thousands took to the streets across Israel on Sunday to start a nationwide general strike, backed by the families of the hostages, demanding a cease-fire deal to free the captives and end the war

Members of the UN Security Council offered their sympathy to Israeli hostages after a video showing an emaciated captive was released by Hamas, but called on Israel to end its self-created humanitarian catastrophe and allow more aid to enter the besieged territory.

Families of hostages held in Gaza are stepping up their campaign to secure their release by holding a strike across Israel.