STORY: Protesters in Israel blocked a main road leading to Jerusalem on Sunday (August 17) as part of a nationwide strike demanding the government to secure a hostage deal and end the war on Gaza.

Drone footage showed protesters blocking one of the main roads leading to Jerusalem and disrupting the flow of traffic.

Thousands of businesses and individuals across the country have joined the strike, which includes protest and acts of disruption across Israel.

The Gaza war began when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage.

Israel's subsequent offensive has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

Israeli officials say 50 hostages still remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: NEAR LATRUN, ISRAEL (AUGUST 17, 2025) (VIDEO OBTAINED BY REUTERS - Access all) (MUTE)

1. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS BLOCKING ROUTE ONE LEADING TO JERUSALEM, SMOKE FROM BURNING TYRES RISING, TRAFFIC AT STANDSTILL

NEAR LATRUN, ISRAEL (AUGUST 17, 2025) (OFRI EITAN - Access all) (MUTE)

2. PROTESTERS BLOCKING ROAD LEADING TO JERUSALEM, HOLDING BIG RED BANNER

3. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS BLOCKING, OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC