“The Israeli government has transformed a just war into a pointless war,” she told the crowd.

Demonstrators have called for an end to the war in Gaza at widespread protests in Israel. Source: AP / Ohad Zwigenberg

National media published a video message by Matan Zangauker, in which the hostage, weak and emaciated, addressed his family and told them he missed them. The video was filmed by Hamas and found in Gaza by the army, the family said.

“This is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages,” demonstrator Ofir Penso, 50, said.

Netanyahu and Smotrich criticise protests

Throughout the country, demonstrators blocked traffic arteries, set tyres on fire and clashed with the police. More than 30 protesters were arrested, law enforcement said.

The protests came following the Israeli government’s decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip. Source: AP / Maya Levin

In Jerusalem’s main shopping district, it was business as usual.

“Everyone is helping the way they can,” she said, declining to give her name.