A leading Israeli labor union has announced a nationwide general strike set for Monday, following the recovery of six hostages’ bodies held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut, which represents around 800,000 members, expressed deep frustration, stating, “We are getting body bags instead of a deal.”
Workers are urged to participate in a one-day strike starting at 06:00 local time, with significant disruptions expected as Ben Gurion Airport will be closed from 08:00. The labor action coincides with mounting public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages, as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, emotions ran high as demonstrators voiced their demands outside Netanyahu’s office. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, chants of “Now” echoed through the streets, calling for an urgent resolution regarding the hostages. Families of the captured individuals have been rallying for the strike as part of campaign efforts to push for a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas.
The Hostages Families Forum revealed that the six individuals were “murdered in the last few days,” after enduring nearly 11 months of severe mistreatment in captivity. They stated, “The delay in signing the deal has led to their deaths and those of many other hostages.” Bar-David emphasized the critical need for a resolution, urging the Israeli public to participate in protests and support the strike.
Tel Aviv’s Mayor Ron Huldai announced that municipal workers are encouraged to join the strike “as a sign of solidarity with the abductees and their families.” Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to achieving a deal for the release of remaining hostages while ensuring national security, although he cautioned that “whoever murders hostages – does not want a deal.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the general strike, arguing it serves the interests of Hamas, igniting further debate among government officials.
In the wake of Bar-David’s call to action, thousands flocked to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, demanding a ceasefire. Among them was 24-year-old Yotam Peer, whose brother was killed on October 7 during the Hamas attacks. Peer stated, “After we heard about the six hostages, we couldn’t be silent anymore. It’s really important. We don’t have a choice anymore. It has exceeded the limit.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the bodies were found in an underground tunnel in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. The deceased have been identified as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt Ori Danino. Currently, it remains unclear how many hostages are still held by Hamas, which abducted 251 individuals while killing 1,200 others during the October 7 assault in southern Israel. The ongoing Israeli military campaign against Hamas has resulted in over 40,530 casualties in Gaza since the conflict escalated, according to local health authorities.
