Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets across the country on Monday, demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu negotiate a ceasefire-for-hostages deal amid Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas. The protests, which have grown in size and intensity, reflect widespread frustration with the government’s handling of the hostage crisis.
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The anger escalated dramatically after the discovery of six more hostages found dead in Gaza. Among them was Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had been anticipated to be released soon. The victims were found shot at close range in a tunnel in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, sparking a wave of outrage and nationwide protests.
In response to the tragic news, Israel’s largest labor union, the Histadrut, called for a general strike and threatened to shut down the entire economy if a ceasefire deal is not reached soon. The union’s move, which marks one of the most significant labor actions in recent Israeli history, could paralyze the country if carried out to its full extent.
Protesters blocked major highways, chanted slogans such as “We won’t abandon them,” and waved signs demanding immediate action to secure the release of over 100 hostages still held in Gaza. Most of these hostages were captured during Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, which led to a renewed conflict between Israel and the militant group.
Supporters of a nationwide strike have vowed a strong response in the coming days, although the exact scope of the strike remains unclear. Demonstrations have already paralyzed parts of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other major cities, with protesters calling for the government to prioritize negotiations for a ceasefire in exchange for hostages.
The pressure on Netanyahu’s government is mounting as families of the hostages, activists, and opposition leaders unite in their call for decisive action. Critics accuse Netanyahu of failing to protect Israeli citizens and mishandling the crisis, leading to growing calls for a leadership change amid the escalating conflict.
The government has yet to respond to the demands for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. However, as the protests continue to gain momentum, the coming days will likely prove crucial in determining Israel’s approach to resolving the ongoing crisis.
