Israeli police have blasted crowds with water cannons and made dozens of arrests as thousands of protesters demand a deal to free hostages in Gaza. One protester displays an image of an emaciated Palestinian child.

Large crowds of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday, launching a nationwide grassroots strike and widespread protests to demand the government secure the release of 50 hostages still in Gaza.

Israel says it is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza as plans move ahead for a military offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.