ISRAEL was brought to a standstill today as protests were held in response to the country’s failure to return hostages held in Gaza.

The strike led to closures and other disruptions around the country including at its main international airport.

It also exposed the deep divisions that exist within Israel over the hostage crisis. 

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis poured into the streets late Sunday in grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza.

The families and much of the public blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they could have been returned alive in a deal with Hamas to end the nearly 11-month-old war.

A labour court ordered the union to end the strike by 2.30pm local time, accepting a petition from the government saying it was politically motivated.

The head of Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, said it would abide by the court decision and instructed members to return to work. 

Arnon Bar-David had called for the general strike, the first since the start of the war.

It aimed to shut down or disrupt major sectors of the economy, including banking and health care.

Airlines at Israel's main international airport, Ben-Gurion, halted some outgoing flights.

But arriving flights continued as usual, according to the Israel Airports Authority.

“There’s no need to punish the whole state of Israel because of what is happening. Overall, it is a victory for Hamas,” said one passenger, Amrani Yigal.

But in Jerusalem, resident Avi Lavi said: “I think this is fair, the time has come to stand and to wake up, to do everything for the hostages to come back alive.”

The Histadrut said banks, some large malls and government offices had joined the strike, as well as some public transit services.

Municipalities in Israel’s populated central area, including Tel Aviv, participated, leading to shortened school hours. 

The demonstrations on Sunday appeared to be the largest since the start of the war, with organisers estimating that up to 500,000 people joined nationwide events and the main rally in Tel Aviv. 

Protesters are demanding that the far-right coalition led by Mr Netanyahu reach a deal to return the remaining roughly 100 hostages held in Gaza.