Israel faces a general strike on Monday (2), organized by the Histadrut trade union, the largest in the country, with the aim of increasing pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to guarantee the release of hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7. The strike, which affects several sectors, occurs a day after the Israeli army announced the discovery of the bodies of six hostageswhich generated large demonstrations throughout the country.
In Tel Aviv and Haifa, the strike has resulted in the closure of schools, universities, shopping malls, ports and ministries. At Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, the strike has resulted in the postponement of flights, leaving dozens of passengers scrambling to continue their journeys. According to an airport spokesman, there were no departures between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
The Histadrut trade union, which called the strike, is demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sign a deal to free the hostages still being held in Gaza. The discovery of the bodies on Sunday has intensified public criticism of the government, with many blaming Netanyahu for failing to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas.
In response to the findings, Hamas claimed the hostages died in an Israeli airstrike, a statement the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as “psychological warfare.”
In recent months, the United States, Qatar and Egypt have acted as mediators in an attempt to reach an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group that would include an end to attacks in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Arnon Bar-David, leader of the Histadrut trade union, sharply criticized Netanyahu on Monday, accusing him of blocking any deal to maintain the coalition government. “It is inconceivable that our children die in tunnels because of political interests and calculations,” Bar-David said.
With information from News Agencies
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/09/02/pressao-greve-geral-em-israel-exige-libertacao-de-refens-em-gaza/
