In Jerusalem, demonstrators -some of them openly weeping – gathered outside Mr Netanyahu’s office. In Tel Aviv, some protesters chanted “Now” – demanding an urgent hostage deal.

Families of the hostages have been pushing for a nationwide strike as part of efforts to get a ceasefire agreement between Mr Netanyahu’s government and Hamas.

The Hostages Families Forum said that all six held captive were “murdered in the last few days, after surviving almost 11 months of abuse, torture and starvation in Hamas captivity”.

“The delay in signing the deal has led to their deaths and those of many other hostages,” it said.

Mr Bar-David said: “We must reach a deal. A deal is more important than anything else.”

He added: “I call on the people of Israel to go out to the streets tonight and tomorrow and for everyone to take part in the strike.”

Meanwhile, Tel Aviv’s Mayor Ron Huldai announced that the city’s municipal workers are free to join Monday’s strike “as a sign of solidarity with the abductees and their families”.

The prime minister said he was committed to securing a deal that releases the remaining captives and protects the country’s security. But he said: “Whoever murders hostages – does not want a deal.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was quick to condemn the general strike, claiming that it represented “the interests of Hamas”.