A general strike in Israel disrupted banks, public transit, hospitals, stores and the country’s main airport as the largest Israeli trade union sought to pressure the government to reach a cease-fire deal with Hamas, days after six more hostages were found dead in Gaza.
Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the trade union Histadrut, said Sunday that reaching a deal to free hostages being held Hamas in Gaza “is the most important thing.”
“Until now, I have shown a lot of responsibility, and it hasn’t been easy,” Bar-David said. “But I feel that we cannot stand idly by. We cannot ignore the cries of our children who are being murdered in the tunnels in Gaza; it is inconceivable. We are in a downward spiral and keep receiving body bags.”
The hostages were apparently shot to death by the militants just as troops were zeroing in on their location in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry said early Monday a forensic examination showed the hostages were killed by gunshots at close range, and within 48-72 hours before the examination.
Monday’s strike followed protests Sunday night in which tens of thousands of people demanded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire.
