Palestinians strike in protest against Gaza war
- Shops, factories, schools, and offices across Judea, Samaria, and parts of eastern Jerusalem were shut down.
- The strike was organized by various factions within the Palestinian Authority, calling for international solidarity.
- Participants expressed demands for peace and a cessation of violence against Palestinians.
On April 7, 2025, a general strike was initiated by Palestinian Arabs residing in eastern Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authority to protest against the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This action was part of a larger series of protests reflecting widespread sentiment against the violence and perceived injustices faced by Palestinians. The strike led to the closure of shops, factories, schools, and offices throughout Judea and Samaria, as well as in the Old City of Jerusalem, where shopkeepers closed their stores in solidarity with the victims in Gaza. The Palestinian National and Islamic Forces, a coalition consisting of various factions, organized the strike and called for solidarity from international supporters through social media platforms. The failure to cease hostilities has resulted in growing frustration among Palestinian populations, prompting them to seek greater visibility for their plight. Protesters expressed that the strike was also a response to the policies of political figures like U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pointing to a broader discontent regarding foreign involvement in the region. Multiple facets of daily life were impacted, as public transportation in various areas including parts of Samaria was also disrupted, highlighting the collective action taken by Palestinian Arabs in response to their circumstances. The sentiments driving the strike were perceived not only as a reaction to the military actions in Gaza but part of a larger narrative of resistance against ongoing violence and a cry for peace. As shopkeeper Imad Salman noted, the strike was a reflection of their hearts being torn by the situation in Gaza, illustrating the emotional weight at the heart of these actions. In conjunction with these events, the Palestinian Arabs sought to underscore the need for international recognition and intervention to address what they termed as genocide and massacre against their people in Gaza. They called for peace as the only resolution to ongoing tensions amidst the backdrop of war. The protests and strikes throughout the region serve as both a cry for help and an assertion of their identity amid adversity, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice and peace in the region.