Israeli Strikes and Protests Continue Amid Hostage Crisis

Israeli protests continued as the largest trade union enforced a strike to press the government for a deal to return hostages held by Hamas. The strike disrupted various services, reflecting deep divisions over Netanyahu's approach. The recovery of six deceased hostages intensified public outcry.

Israeli protesters took to the streets for the second consecutive day on Monday, and the country's largest trade union initiated a general strike to pressure the government into securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. The strike led to significant disruptions in transport and medical services across several Israeli regions, with numerous shops and businesses closing after the Histadrut union, representing hundreds of thousands of workers, called for a general stoppage.

The discovery of six hostages, who had been shot dead within 48-72 hours before Israeli forces found them, fueled widespread grief and anger. At least half a million people demonstrated in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas to ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages.

Thousands of people gathered again in Tel Aviv on Monday, waving Israeli flags and holding photographs of the remaining 101 hostages. Despite the country's deep divisions, Histadrut accepted a Labor Court ruling to end the strike by 2:30 p.m., highlighting the urgency and emotional weight of the ongoing crisis.