Israel's Largest Labour Union Calls for General Strike Over Hostages

Israel's largest labour union called for a general strike to pressure the government into securing the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The union's move reflects public anger over recent hostage deaths. Major sectors and opposition leaders back the strike, urging government action.

The head of Israel's largest labour union has called for a general strike on Monday to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Thousands of protesters have already taken to the streets in response.

Arnon Bar-David of the Histadrut union, representing hundreds of thousands of workers, spearheaded the call. The strike has garnered support from Israel’s main manufacturers and high-tech sector entrepreneurs, underscoring the widespread public outrage following the recent deaths of six hostages.

Israel announced it had recovered the bodies from a tunnel in southern Gaza. Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s primary air transport hub, and municipal services in Tel Aviv will shut down on Monday in solidarity. Prominent figures like opposition leader Yair Lapid have also expressed support for the strike.