The Histadrut, representing around 800,000 workers across key sectors like healthcare, transport, and banking, has announced a general strike starting Monday morning. This strike is a response to the ongoing hostage crisis and aims to pressure the government into negotiating a ceasefire with Hamas to secure the release of the remaining captives.
This will be the first general strike since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, which marked the beginning of the current conflict. A similar strike last year was instrumental in delaying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s contentious judicial overhaul.
On Saturday, Israel confirmed the recovery of several bodies, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young Israeli-American whose plight had garnered significant international attention. His parents, who had actively campaigned for his release, met with world leaders and even spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
The military reported that all six individuals found were killed shortly before Israeli forces could attempt a rescue. This has intensified protests against Netanyahu, with many Israelis and the families of the hostages blaming him for failing to secure their release. Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal have been ongoing for months but have yet to result in a resolution.
On Sunday evening, demonstrators took to the streets of Jerusalem, demanding immediate action from Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire. “I’m crying the cry of humanity,” said Amos, a protester among the thousands rallying outside Netanyahu’s office. The sentiment was echoed by many, some visibly distressed, calling for a swift resolution.
Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old from Berkeley, California, had been among several hostages taken during the October 7 attack on a music festival. He lost part of his left arm in the initial assault and appeared in a Hamas video in April, which sparked further protests demanding government action.
His family released a statement expressing their devastation over his death and requested privacy during this difficult time. The other victims have been identified as Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat, who were abducted from the music festival and nearby areas.
The bodies were discovered in a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, about a kilometre from where another hostage, Qaid Farhan Alkadi, was rescued alive last week. According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the hostages were brutally killed by Hamas just before Israeli forces arrived.
Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani noted that while the military was aware hostages were in the area, there was no direct combat at the location where the bodies were found. Shoshani confirmed that Hamas was responsible for the killings and pointed out that Hamas had previously offered to release hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
A senior Hamas official claimed that the hostages might still be alive if Israel had accepted a ceasefire proposal earlier in the year.
In response, a forum of hostage families called for a massive protest, demanding an end to delays and urging the government to secure the hostages’ release. They criticised the authorities for not advancing negotiations, suggesting that the deaths could have been prevented.
Netanyahu expressed sorrow over the deaths and vowed to hold Hamas accountable. He accused the group of rejecting peace efforts, stating, “Whoever murders hostages doesn’t want a deal.” Netanyahu has pledged to continue military operations until Hamas is defeated, despite internal disagreements over the strategy and its impact on hostage negotiations.
US President Joe Biden also condemned the killings, promising that Hamas leaders would face consequences. He reaffirmed commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages.
Before the latest developments, Israel had estimated that 108 hostages were still in Gaza, with about a third presumed dead. Since the attack on October 7, Israeli military actions have devastated Gaza, displacing many and resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Goldberg-Polin’s parents had become prominent advocates for their son’s release, addressing high-profile audiences and participating in protests. Their ongoing efforts highlighted the personal and international dimensions of the hostage crisis.
