Egypt Daily News – The General Federation of Labor in Israel, known as Histadrut, has announced a general strike scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, in a bold response demanding urgent action for the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
This strike marks a significant move since the onset of the current conflict, as reported by Al-Hurra.
Arnon Bar David, the president of Histadrut, articulated the urgency of the situation at a press conference, stating, “We must stop this abandonment of the hostages.”
He emphasized the necessity for union intervention to spur action from government officials, declaring that the strike will commence at 6 AM local time and will impact the entire Israeli economy. Specifically, Bar David indicated that all flight operations at Ben Gurion Airport will halt starting at 8 AM.
Bar David criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration for allegedly hindering the negotiation process for the hostages’ release due to political motivations. He called for a resolution that prioritizes the welfare of the hostages and a return to normalcy for Israeli citizens.
The Histadrut union encompasses essential services within Israel, including public transportation, airports, and government offices, which leads to a potential paralysis of state operations and increased pressure on the government.
This strike comes on the heels of the Israeli army announcing the recovery of six hostages’ bodies from a Rafah tunnel, all of whom were reportedly killed shortly before Israeli troops arrived.
In light of the rising tensions, the Forum of Families of Hostages and Missing Persons has urged citizens to participate in a large demonstration advocating for the immediate implementation of a hostage release agreement. They expressed that delays and lack of action contributed to the tragic losses announced that day.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has joined calls for a general strike, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among the public over the government’s handling of hostage negotiations. Demonstrations have already begun, calling for urgent action near key government locations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
The victims most recently confirmed dead include four men and two women, with identities linking them to a hostage situation that began on October 7, the date of Hamas’s coordinated attack on Israel. Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed that these individuals were taken alive but tragically killed shortly before rescue efforts could reach them.
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that those responsible for the hostages’ deaths had no interest in negotiating a ceasefire.
He affirmed Israel’s commitment to seeking justice against Hamas for their actions. Conversely, Ezzat al-Rashq of Hamas blamed the Israeli occupation for the deaths, asserting that the ongoing conflict has hindered potential resolutions.
Despite facing internal criticism for the government’s rigid stance in negotiations, which complicates the return of hostages, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has urged for a reevaluation of demands limiting military presence in key border areas, stressing the need to prioritize the safe return of hostages.
