Published 2 September 2024 at 14.24
Foreign. Israel is today facing an extensive general strike, initiated by the country's largest trade union Histadrut in an attempt to force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into a settlement with Hamas over the Israelis held hostage in Gaza.
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The strike has paralyzed several sectors of the country, including Ben Gurion National Airport, schools, hospitals and public transport, with the aim of pushing for a deal that could lead to the release of the hostages.
Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David says Israel must act to ensure the hostages are not abandoned.
This massive mobilization of workers and citizens comes after it emerged that six of the people who were held hostage by Hamas have been found dead, sparking huge protests across the country because they were alive as recently as a few days ago.
The demonstrations, the largest since the conflict with Hamas intensified in October, gathered over 280,000 people in Tel Aviv alone.
Many protesters accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing his political future over the safety of the hostages, demanding that he reach an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release.
According to reports, 97 people are still believed to be held hostage in Gaza, their fate hanging in the balance as negotiations continue in the background.
The strike is expected to continue into the evening.