Israelis protest and strike over Gaza hostage deaths

Israeli unions announced a general strike for Monday 2 September after 500,000 protested in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem against the government's handling of the war in Gaza. Workers shut down transport including airports, retail, ports, banks and schools in what will be a major blow to the Israeli economy.

Protesters were met with water canons and batons as they voiced their anger over the deaths of 6 more hostages in Gaza. Israel blames Hamas for the deaths of the hostages, while Hamas says they were killed as a result of Israel's bombing of Gaza. No evidence has been presented by either side on the cause of death.