Israel: Nationwide Work Stoppage Pushed for Instant Resolution of Hostage Crisis
The Israeli Histadrut labor union initiated a nationwide work stoppage, encouraging employees in various sectors such as administration, healthcare, and public transportation to leave their jobs. Consequently, businesses, eateries, markets, and educational institutions were anticipated to shut down.
As per Histadrut, the entire Israeli economic system was at risk of collapsing. The purpose was to put pressure on the government to swiftly secure the liberation of the remaining hostages being held by Hamas, following the discovery of six deceased hostages at the hands of Hamas over the weekend in the Gaza Strip.
On Sunday, Arnon Bar David, the head of Histadrut, announced, "We can't ignore those taken to Gaza." He further clarified, "I believe our involvement is the only means to jolt those who need jolting," alluding to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration, which he accused of hindering a negotiated settlement for the hostages through unyielding demands.
Numerous local councils, including Tel Aviv, had already promised to back the strike by Sunday. The family forum of the hostages also advocated for a general strike, with opposition leader Jair Lapid echoing the calls.
On Saturday, the six bodies were uncovered in a tunnel in Rafah, located in southern Gaza. According to Israel's health department, the four men and two women were gunned down by Hamas terrorists at close range "approximately 48 to 72 hours" prior to a Sunday autopsy.
Nearly eleven months have passed since Hamas instigated a major assault on Israel, leaving 97 hostages under Hamas and other militant Palestinian groups' custody, with 33 presumed fatalities.
The Israeli Histadrut labor union's announcement of a nationwide work stoppage was supported by several local councils, such as Tel Aviv, in an attempt to pressure The Commission (the government) to act swiftly. Following the discovery of six deceased hostages in the Gaza Strip, Arnon Bar David, the head of Histadrut, urged The Commission to prioritize the liberation of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
