A nationwide strike that began this morning in Israel has been ordered to end by a court, following a powerful push by the country’s largest union to force the government into a ceasefire deal. The strike, which threatened to shut down the economy, came in response to the discovery of six hostages' bodies, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, taken during Hamas' October 7 attack.
The discovery of the bodies sparked an outpouring of grief and anger, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to mourn and protest. Funerals were held for Goldberg-Polin and fellow hostage Carmel Gat, while the other four victims were identified as Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt. Ori Danino.
Israel’s military confirmed that the six hostages were killed by Hamas militants in Gaza before soldiers reached them. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stated that the hostages were “brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists” in tunnels under the Gaza enclave.
The news has fueled public frustration, with criticism aimed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration for their handling of the hostage crisis. Israel’s largest trade union announced the nationwide strike on Monday in protest.
Of the six victims, three had been expected to be released in a ceasefire agreement, according to Israeli officials. Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, and Carmel Gat were part of a “humanitarian category” slated for release under a framework agreed between Israel and Hamas in July.
“Our prime minister delayed it,” an Israeli official told CNN, adding that it’s “way too late” for the six who were killed, but that an agreement must still be reached.
In response to the tragedy, Netanyahu said he was “shocked to the core” by the murders and accused Hamas of blocking genuine negotiations for the hostages' release. He stressed that Israel will continue its efforts to bring back the remaining captives, despite Hamas’ resistance.
The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing the relatives of those held captive, accused Netanyahu of ignoring advice from the security establishment and placing unnecessary conditions on the negotiations.
“Hamas is not the only one responsible for thwarting the deal,” the Forum stated. “We expect the Prime Minister of Israel to do everything in his power to return the hostages home.”
