Israeli demonstrators once again took to the streets, demanding the government secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Histadrut, the largest trade union, initiated a general strike to pressure the government, disrupting transportation, healthcare services, and shuttering numerous shops and businesses across various Israeli regions.
The strike was ignited by the recovery of six hostages’ bodies, killed just 48 to 72 hours before being discovered. This event triggered widespread grief and outrage, leading to large-scale demonstrations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where over half a million people gathered. Protesters are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to broker a ceasefire with Hamas to bring back the remaining 101 hostages.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of demonstrators waved Israeli flags and held pictures of the hostages. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that a proposal for a hostage release deal was nearing completion but criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to finalize it. Prof. Yehuda Ullmann, a leading surgeon at Rambam Hospital, said the strike was essential due to the ongoing crisis.
However, Israel’s Labour Court mandated the strike to conclude by 2:30 PM after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich intervened. The court ruled that the strike lacked economic justification and was mainly political. Netanyahu condemned the strike during a cabinet meeting, labeling it disgraceful during wartime and accusing it of bolstering Hamas.
Despite the strike, essential services like Ben Gurion Airport were partially halted. Also, some municipal services and hospitals operated on a limited basis. The protests highlight deep divisions within Israel over Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. Despite pressure from senior officials, Netanyahu remains steadfast on keeping Israeli troops in Gaza after any ceasefire.
