Israel strikes nationwide as pressure mounts for Hamas ceasefire
- A general strike began in Israel on Sunday morning, disrupting major sectors of the economy.
- Protests erupted nationwide, with hundreds of thousands demanding action from the government following the deaths of hostages.
- The situation highlights the growing public frustration and pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas.
A nationwide strike commenced in Israel at 6am local time, driven by public outrage over the government's handling of hostage situations amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. The strike, called by Israel's largest trade union, Histadrut, aimed to disrupt key sectors such as banking, healthcare, and transportation, reflecting the growing frustration among citizens. Protests erupted across the country, with estimates of 300,000 participants in Tel Aviv and another 200,000 in other locations, marking the largest demonstrations since the war began 11 months ago. The protests were fueled by the recent deaths of six hostages, including an American citizen, which intensified calls for a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal. U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to meet with negotiators to discuss strategies for securing the release of remaining hostages, as the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar work towards a final agreement with Hamas. Demonstrators expressed their anger, with some labeling the general strike as a “prize for Hamas,” while others demanded immediate action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli government faces mounting pressure to negotiate a ceasefire, with critics arguing that Netanyahu will only act when public unrest escalates. As the situation develops, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, with reports of casualties and ongoing military strikes. The protests and strikes reflect a critical moment in Israeli society, as citizens grapple with the implications of the conflict and the government's response to the hostage crisis.