<h1>Nationwide protests and strikes demand negotiated deal to free hostages amid blockades, rising deaths and arrests</h1> Police used water cannons and made dozens of arrests as thousands staged nationwide protests and a one-day strike demanding a negotiated deal to free remaining hostages held in the enclave; groups representing families organized roadblocks, bonfires and demonstrations outside politicians' homes and military sites, with police reporting 38 arrests. Protesters oppose a planned new offensive into densely populated areas, while the prime minister rejects any deal that would leave the militant group in power. Aid agencies and local health authorities report rising malnutrition and thousands of deaths in the enclave, continued blockade and contested aid deliveries, and regional strikes have expanded to another country.