Israel Braces for General Strike After Gaza Hostages Found Dead

A rare call for a general strike unfolded across Israel on Monday in protest of the government’s inability to secure the return of hostages from Gaza, resulting in significant disruptions, including at the nation’s primary international airport. This strike, however, saw varied participation, reflecting the deep political divides within the country.

The public’s outrage was palpable late Sunday as tens of thousands took to the streets, driven by sorrow and anger over the death of six hostages in Gaza. Critics, including the grieving families, pointed fingers at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that the hostages could have been saved through negotiations with Hamas to end the prolonged conflict.

On the flip side, there are Israelis who back Netanyahu’s approach of continuous military pressure on Hamas, believing it will eventually subdue the militant group and lead to more effective rescues or even the group’s elimination.

The call for a general strike by Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, marked the first of its kind since the war began. It aimed to cripple major economic sectors, including banking, healthcare, and operations at the main airport. At Ben-Gurion Airport, airlines adjusted flight schedules around the strike hours, with minor disruptions reported. Additionally, banks, some large malls, and government offices closed, and public transport services were reduced.

Significant urban centers like Tel Aviv participated in the strike, impacting public services like schools and daycares, while Jerusalem did not join. The Israeli government even sought legal action to halt the strike, citing political motives.

The scale of Sunday’s demonstrations underscored the public pressure on Netanyahu to negotiate the return of about 100 remaining hostages in Gaza, despite his commitment to a “total victory” over Hamas and the stalling of talks. Netanyahu holds Hamas responsible for the hostages’ deaths, asserting that their actions show a lack of interest in reaching a deal.

In retaliation, Hamas has blamed Israel and the U.S. for prolonging negotiations by introducing new demands. They have proposed an end to the war and Israeli withdrawals in exchange for the hostages’ release.

Among those tragically killed was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American, whose high-profile captivity and subsequent death have drawn international attention, including from President Joe Biden.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the majority of the population displaced and the region in dire need of aid.