Jerusalem: Hamas terrorists have killed six Israeli-American hostages in Gaza. Meanwhile, a general strike was declared in Israel on Monday in protest against the failure to free the hostages in Gaza. The strike led to shutdowns and other disruptions in almost the entire country, including its main international airport. However, the strike was ignored in some areas, which also reflects deep political differences. Major markets and establishments remained closed due to the strike.

People took to the streets

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets amid grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza late Sunday night. The victim families and most people blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said that they could have been brought back alive through an agreement with Hamas to end the nearly 11-month-old war. But others support Netanyahu’s strategy of maintaining constant military pressure on Hamas. The war began with an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7.

The largest trade union had called for a strike

Israel’s largest trade union ‘Histadrut’ had called for a general strike on Monday, which is the first strike since the start of the war. Its aim is to close or disrupt key sectors of the economy, including banking, healthcare and the country’s main airport.