Mass protests and a general strike have erupted across Israel as citizens express outrage over the government’s handling of the hostage crisis in Gaza. Many Israelis accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of failing to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, following the discovery of six bodies in a tunnel in southern Gaza.
On Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported finding the bodies of six hostages, identified as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt Ori Danino. The IDF stated they were killed shortly before troops arrived. Foreign Minister Israel Katz blamed Hamas for their deaths, stating they were “brutally executed… to instil fear and attempt to fracture Israeli society.” However, Hamas claims that the hostages were killed in an Israeli attack and blames Israel for refusing to sign a ceasefire deal.
The discovery of the bodies has fuelled widespread protests across Israel. A general strike has been launched by Histadrut, one of the country’s most powerful unions, to pressure the government to negotiate a deal with Hamas for the release of the remaining hostages. “We are getting body bags instead of a deal,” said Arnon Bar-David, Histadrut’s leader. The strike is impacting various sectors, including businesses, schools, and transport, as many Israelis demand that the government take immediate action.
Protesters have blocked major roads, gathered outside the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem, and chanted against the government’s handling of the crisis. Families of the hostages, such as Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is still held captive, expressed hope that this could be a “watershed moment” for the government. “It’s time to do the right thing,” Dekel-Chen said, criticising the government for “sacrificing” chances of securing the hostages’ return.
Meanwhile, the Gevurah Forum, which opposes the hostage deal, has filed a request with the National Labour Court to halt the strike, calling it “a political strike, blatantly illegal, carried out in a bullying manner.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has also contacted the Attorney General to seek an injunction against the strike.
Amidst the turmoil, humanitarian efforts continue in Gaza. On Sunday, the first in a series of “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting allowed medical teams to vaccinate 72,611 children against polio, following Gaza’s first recorded case in 25 years. The virus re-emerged as the ongoing conflict disrupted vaccination programmes and damaged water and sanitation systems. The polio vaccination drive is set to continue, aiming to protect children amidst the escalating crisis.
