In a bold move, the families of Israeli hostages currently held captive in Gaza are advocating for a nationwide general strike next Sunday. This protest is aimed at opposing the recent decision made by the Israeli security cabinet to escalate the war and take control of Gaza City. “We are shutting down the country to save the soldiers and the hostages,” declared the relatives of the hostages during a gathering in Tel Aviv.
The families were supported by the October 7 Council, an organization representing bereaved families of soldiers who lost their lives during the initial stages of the conflict. Organizers of the strike emphasize that this initiative will primarily emerge as a grassroots effort, engaging private companies and citizens alike. The plan is to halt economic activities across the country, and within hours of the announcement, the October 7 Council reported that “hundreds” of companies had committed to participating in the strike, along with “thousands of citizens” who expressed their intent to take the day off.
Israel's largest workers' union, known as the Histadrut, has yet to officially endorse the strike. However, discussions are ongoing, with families planning to meet with Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David on Monday. They aim to persuade him to rally behind their cause. Anat Angrest, the mother of Matan, a hostage in Gaza, made a heartfelt appeal to leaders within the economic and labor sectors, stating, “Your silence is killing our children.” Angrest emphasized the urgency of action, urging industry heads to leverage their influence.
Last year, the Histadrut had previously orchestrated a general strike to show solidarity with the families of hostages. This came in the aftermath of the tragic killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in September 2024, which saw the union disrupt vital sectors including transport, banking, and healthcare. The Histadrut’s involvement sparked widespread protests and demonstrations; however, the Israeli government labeled these actions as politically motivated and attempted to halt the strike through a labor court injunction.
While the Histadrut has remained silent on the current strike, various Israeli opposition leaders have publicly supported the initiative. Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated, “The call by the families of the hostages for a general strike is justified and appropriate.” Similarly, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, announced that the party would join the strike, urging all Israeli citizens who value life and mutual responsibility to participate in the protests.
The Israeli security cabinet's decision to advance a controversial plan aimed at expanding military operations and seizing Gaza City has sparked fierce backlash from families of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza. With 20 of these individuals presumed alive, the families fear that the new military offensive could jeopardize their lives, potentially leading to fatal consequences. In defense of the government’s actions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted during a news conference, “Contrary to false claims, this is the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily.” He characterized Gaza City and the central camps in the enclave as the “two remaining strongholds” of Hamas, which he believes must be attacked to “finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.”
