Israel Paralyzed by General Strike and Protests Over Hostage Deaths
Israel faces widespread disruption on Monday as a general strike and mass protests sweep the nation, triggered by public outrage over the deaths of six hostages in Gaza. Demonstrations erupted in major cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with tens of thousands of people demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secure a cease-fire deal to release the remaining 101 hostages.
Protesters blocked key roads and gathered outside the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem. At the same time, Tel Aviv’s main highway was filled with demonstrators waving flags bearing the images of the slain hostages. Police used water cannons to disperse the crowds, and at least 29 arrests were reported.
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The one-day general strike, organized by the Histadrut labor federation, brought much of the country to a standstill. Key sectors, including transportation, education, and government services, were heavily affected. Arnon Bar-David, head of the Histadrut, called the strike to pressure the government into securing a cease-fire. “We are getting body bags instead of a deal,” he said.
The Hostage Families Forum has organized additional protests throughout the day, with demonstrations at key locations nationwide. The strike has caused significant disruption, and lingering uncertainty remains about whether it will be extended beyond Monday.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing growing pressure, vowed to pursue those responsible for the hostage deaths. However, calls for a cease-fire continue to escalate, with US President Joe Biden expressing hope for a deal to release the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Hamas officials blame Israel’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire for the ongoing crisis.
