- General strike begins in Israel as protesters demand Gaza hostage deal
- It comes after the bodies of six Israeli hostages were discovered on Saturday
- Strike was called by one of Israel’s most influential unions
General strike begins in Israel as protesters demand Gaza hostage deal
A general strike is underway in Israel as protests continue over the government’s perceived failure to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The strike was called by Histadrut, one of Israel’s most influential unions, for one day, although it remains unclear how extensively the strike will be observed across the country.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of people rallied across Israel following the discovery of the bodies of six hostages, which were recovered by soldiers on Saturday. The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations that have taken place since Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7. The attack left 1,200 people dead and resulted in 251 hostages being taken.
Since the start of the conflict on October 7, more than 40,530 people have been reported killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Some cities and municipalities have said they won’t participate in the strike, but some regions will. For those who will, the following sectors and organisations will take part in the strike:
- Businesses, banks and a number of government ministries
- The Israel Business Forum, which represents workers from hundreds of Israel’s largest private-sector companies
- Elementary and middle schools will only open until 11:45 local time (09:45 BST)
- Hospitals and health clinics will run at a reduced capacity
- Transport disruption is expected, as three major bus companies – Egged, Dan and Metropolin – take part, roads are blocked and a temporary closure affects Ben Gurion airport
