The head of Israel’s largest trade union, Histadrut, announced a general strike starting Monday to support efforts to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
This call for action comes after the discovery of six more hostages found dead in Gaza. Histadrut’s chairman, Arnon Bar-David, criticized the lack of progress in negotiations due to “political considerations” and stated that the strike would include halting all take-offs and landings at Ben Gurion Airport from 8:00 am.
Bar-David emphasised the urgency of reaching a deal to secure the hostages’ release, expressing frustration at the ongoing loss of life. The strike aims to pressure the Israeli government to finalise a deal to end the war and bring the hostages home.
The announcement followed a demonstration by families and supporters of the hostages outside a government office, demanding action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
The ongoing bombardment of the Palestinian enclave has resulted in significant casualties, with over 40,738 deaths in Gaza reported by local health authorities. Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release have so far been unsuccessful despite mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.