Mass protests have gripped Israel, as demonstrators blocked a highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and rallied across the country to demand an end to the Gaza war and the immediate release of hostages, writes abc.net.au.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at protesters, accusing them of strengthening Hamas, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog labelled opponents of the Israeli government`s military operations in Gaza as "hypocrites".

IDF chief Eyal Zamir visited Israeli forces to inspect progress in preparation to take over Gaza City, as Israel announced it would give tents to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who would be displaced during the expected attack on the city.