>> Israelis' road: >> 3 more die blaze demo for of starvation as Gaza ceasefire blitz continues

PROTESTERS have taken to the streets of Israel, burning tyres, blocking highways and demanding a Gaza ceasefire to save hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave.

- BY CHRIS HUGHES

Some of the strongest demonstrations since war began took place as Israel Defence Forces fighter planes and tanks pounded Gaza City in preparation for a major ground offensive.

Locals claimed dozens were killed and there were reports of Israeli troops using robots loaded with explosives to target Hamas fighters in buildings.

Palestinians in the Zeitoun area had been warned they must flee.

Public disorder broke out in Tel Aviv over fears the attack will put surviving hostages at even more risk.

In the Israeli coastal city, where protests against PM Benjamin Netanyahu are frequent, black smoke rose from burning tyres on Fourth Avenue.