Israel’s main union has ordered a nationwide general strike after soldiers recovered the bodies of six killed hostages from the Gaza Strip where the military is battling Hamas, AFP reports.

On Sunday evening, tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in the streets of Tel Aviv and other cities to protest the government and call for a hostage release deal.

Campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said a negotiated “deal for the return of the hostages” was urgently needed.

“Were it not for the delays, sabotage and excuses” in months of mediation efforts, the six hostages “would likely still be alive”, a statement said.

The families called for a nationwide general strike to force the government to reach a deal. Shortly afterwards, the head of Israel’s powerful Histadrut trade union ordered a “complete strike” on Monday in support of the hostages.

“I have come to the conclusion that only our intervention can shake those who need to be shaken,” Histadrut chair Arnon Bar-David said in a statement. “A deal is not progressing due to political considerations and this is unacceptable.”

 Israeli Police officers detain protesters during clashes following an anti-government rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October, in Tel Aviv on Sept 1, 2024. — AFP
Israeli Police officers detain protesters during clashes following an anti-government rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October, in Tel Aviv on Sept 1, 2024. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...