Israel is in the grips of public outrage and deep divisions over the government’s handling of the war in Gaza after the bodies of six hostages held by Hamas were discovered. Tens of thousands of Israelis hit the streets on Sunday night, prompting the first general strike since March last year. The strike is expected to impact the economy significantly, with closures of government offices, schools, and many private businesses.
The IDF confirmed that the hostages were killed by Hamas terrorists, triggering widespread fury towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to secure a US-backed hostage-for-peace deal with Hamas. This failure was attributed to Netanyahu’s insistence on retaining strategic territory inside Gaza, leading to calls for a reversal of this position by the defense minister and other officials.
The anger and frustration have prompted a sense that the country has reached a tipping point. The families of the hostages are leading protest movements, calling for the country to come to a standstill until a deal is reached. The strike, beginning Monday, aims to increase pressure on Netanyahu to prioritize the return of hostages and reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas, with hopes that this collective action will push him towards a resolution.
Funerals for the hostages have already started, further fueling popular anger and calls for action. The families and supporters of the hostages are demanding an end to the prolonged ordeal and urging the government to prioritize life and values over strategic considerations. The strike and ongoing protests reflect a growing demand for accountability and action to bring the hostages home safely.
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