TEL AVIV - Protesters in Israel torched tyres and blocked highways on Tuesday as they demanded the government reach a ceasefire that would free the hostages still being held in Gaza.

This comes as Israeli leaders continue to press ahead with plans for an offensive, arguing it is necessary to crush Hamas.

Protesters waved banners reading "Hostage Deal Now" and called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet to commit to ceasefire talks.

The relatives of hostages hope steady pressure can lead to a deal to bring all the hostages back.

However, far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition have threatened to leave if Israel agrees to a truce and have dismissed the protesters' demands.

Since Hamas' assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, they have captured 251 hostages.

Some have been released as part of prisoner exchanges during official ceasefires with Hamas, while Israel has managed to rescue eight hostages alive.

Around 50 remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed by Israel to still be alive.

Netanyahu is expected to hold a security cabinet meeting later on Tuesday but it remains unclear if he plans to discuss ceasefire efforts.

Meanwhile, at least 16 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza on Tuesday according to hospital workers.

Officials from Nasser Hospital, Shifa Hospital and Sheikh Radwan clinic reported that women and children were among those killed.

Three more adults also died of malnutrition-related causes bringing the death toll to 186 since late June.

The reported total includes 117 children since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.