President Donald Trump said the remaining hostages will only return once Hamas is "confronted and destroyed" as Israel plans to expand its Gaza offensive.

A nationwide strike commenced in Israel as several hundred thousand people protested, demanding the government secure the release of 50 hostages still in Gaza held by the militant group Hamas.

Hostages Families Forum reaches out to Red Cross, World Health Organization, and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Right on World Humanitarian Day.

President Donald Trump said Monday morning that the remaining hostages in Gaza will only be returned when Hamas is “confronted and destroyed.”

TEL AVIV/JERUSALEM, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Thousands of Israelis took part in a nationwide strike on Sunday in support of families of hostages held in Gaza, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and release the remaining captives.

Nearly two years of demonstrations have failed to push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas that would end the war and free the remaining captives.

At the heart of Tel Aviv, thousands gathered at ‘Hostages Square,’ waving banners, portraits and flags demanding the release of those still held in Gaza and an end to war. Among them stood Pushpa Joshi, sister of Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who has been held hostage by Hamas, her voice breaking as she addressed the crowd.

"Your legacy could be defined by this moment - the leader who ended the wars and brought our people home, while creating a future for both our families and the people of Gaza. " US President Donald Trump should make the "deal of all deals" to stop the war in Gaza and secure the release of all 50 hostages still in Hamas captivity,