Israel Grinds to a Halt as Nationwide Strike Demands Hostage Deal, Netanyahu Faces Growing Pressure
Israel is facing a nationwide shutdown as a general strike, fueled by public fury over the killing of six hostages by Hamas in Gaza, enters its second day, CNN reports.
The strike, organized by the country’s largest labor union, Histadrut, aims to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize a ceasefire-for-hostages deal.
The protest has seen Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv suspend all flights for two hours. It has also impacted public services, government ministries, and many universities, bringing the country to a standstill.
“We don’t stop receiving body bags,” warned Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David, describing the situation as a “downward spiral” and demanding decisive action.
Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets across the country on Sunday in one of the largest protests since the war began, with many protesters vowing to continue their demonstrations until a ceasefire deal is reached.
The strike has further heightened tensions within the Israeli government, with public criticisms of Netanyahu’s leadership and the handling of the war growing louder.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, lambasted the government for prioritizing control of a key border area over securing the release of hostages, calling it a “moral disgrace.”
Meanwhile, American officials have expressed increasing urgency in reaching the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, meeting with families of Americans held hostage, stated that “the next few days will be critical” in efforts to secure their release.
