Israel advocates for nationwide work stoppage following discovery of deceased captives
The Affected Forum urged the significant Israeli labor association, Histadrut, to participate in the impending nationwide work stoppage, commencing on Sunday night. Various corporations stated their intent to undertake sympathetic measures to aid the relatives of the captives. This included the closure of significant movie theaters from a prominent chain and numerous eateries on Sunday evening.
Notably, prominent opposition politician Yair Lapid advocated for a nationwide work stoppage. Referencing the recently rescued six hostages, Lapid declared: "They were alive, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his lethal cabinet decided against rescuing them."
At the same time, Israel's Defense Minister Joav Gallant urged his cabinet colleagues to reconsider the prolonged Israeli military presence in the so-called Philadelphi Corridor, situating the Israel-Egypt border. The stationing of Israeli troops in the border area is a crucial debating point in negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the liberation of hostages. Gallant demanded: "The government must convene immediately, and countermand the Thursday decision."
Approximately 100 hostages remain under the custody of Hamas and other radical Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip, with 33 confirmed fatalities by Israeli officials.
Finding common ground, many supporters of the affected individuals encouraged Histadrut to join the nationwide work stoppage, as proposed by Yair Lapid. Recognizing the significance of solidarity, various union members agreed to participate in the forthcoming action.
