JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli protesters demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza have attempted to shut down the country in one of the largest and fiercest protests in 22 months of war. Organizers asserted that hundreds of thousands of people took part. Frustration is growing in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza’s most populated areas. Many Israelis fear that could further endanger the remaining hostages. Twenty of the 50 who remain are believed to be alive. Inside Gaza, war-weary Palestinians insist they won’t be displaced again, arguing that there is no safe place to go.
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