Protesters in Israel stage nationwide strike to demand hostage deal as Gaza toll rises
Police responded with water cannons and arrested at least 32 demonstrators in one of the largest coordinated protests since the Gaza war began.
The strike, dubbed a 'day of stoppage,' was led by two prominent groups representing families of hostages and bereaved relatives.
It comes as frustration mounts over the fate of the estimated 50 hostages still believed to be in Gaza — only around 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
Chanting 'We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages,' protesters staged sit-ins at highway intersections, lit bonfires, and rallied outside military headquarters and the homes of political leaders.
Demonstrators handed out yellow ribbons, the symbol of the hostage campaign, and some restaurants and theaters closed in solidarity.
'Military pressure doesn't bring hostages back — it only kills them,' said former hostage Arbel Yehoud during a demonstration in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square. 'The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games.'
Anat Angrest, whose son Matan is among the captives, said the strike was about unity and life. 'Today, we stop everything to save and bring back the hostages and soldiers. Today, we stop everything to remember the supreme value of the sanctity of life,' she said.
Though Israel's largest labor union Histadrut did not officially participate, many private businesses and local municipalities voluntarily joined the strike.
The Israeli government remains divided on the path forward. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from far-right members of his coalition who oppose any agreement that allows Hamas to remain in power.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the strike as 'a harmful campaign that plays into Hamas' hands' and accused organizers of attempting to 'bury the hostages in the tunnels.'
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed those sentiments, saying the protests 'weaken Israel and delay the return of the hostages.'
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a renewed ground offensive in Gaza City, despite growing calls for a ceasefire. The army said it would resume the supply of tents and shelter equipment to facilitate evacuations from anticipated combat zones.
In Gaza, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. Local hospitals and eyewitnesses reported at least 17 aid-seekers were killed Sunday by Israeli fire near the Morag corridor. According to survivor Hamza Asfour, Israeli snipers first fired warning shots, then opened fire from tanks as civilians gathered to receive aid.
'It's either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation,' he said. 'There is no other option.'
Israel's military did not comment on the reported strikes. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied any shooting occurred near its aid sites.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, seven children died in the past 24 hours from malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total to more than 60,000 deaths since the start of Israel's retaliatory war, including tens of thousands of women and children. — Agencies
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