More than 15,000 people have taken to the streets in Israel to call for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip and urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a deal to free the remaining hostages, BBC reported.

Families and supporters of the hostages still being held by Hamas thronged Jerusalem's Paris Square, with others gathering in Tel Aviv.

Of the 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, as many as 20 are believed to be alive.

Israel has yet to formally respond to a deal that would see the release of some hostages, but has previously demanded the return of all the hostages in any agreement. Netanyahu insists total victory over Hamas will bring the hostages home, according to BBC.