Thousands of protesters across Israel launched a nationwide strike on Sunday, demanding the government agree to a ceasefire and strike a deal for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Traffic was brought to a standstill, businesses and theatres shut their doors and bonfires were lit on major highways as demonstrators intensified pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
Organised by groups representing hostage families and bereaved relatives, the “day of stoppage” comes weeks after militant organisations released videos showing gaunt and weakened hostages, prompting renewed fears that continued military action could cost more lives.
“We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages,” protesters chanted as they gathered outside the homes of senior politicians, defence headquarters and military bases. Police used water cannons to disperse crowds in several locations and confirmed that 38 protesters had been arrested.
“Military pressure doesn't bring hostages back, it only kills them,” former hostage Arbel Yehoud told protesters in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. Anat Angrest, the mother of captive Matan Angrest, said, “Today, we stop everything to save and bring back the hostages and soldiers… to remember the sanctity of life.”
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Although the country’s largest labour union did not take part, many municipalities and private companies independently joined the strike — an unusual show of dissent in Israel’s highly securitised political climate.
Netanyahu has publicly called for the unconditional release of the hostages but faces resistance within his cabinet. Far-right ministers insist they will not support any agreement that leaves Hamas in power. The last ceasefire and hostage-release deal sparked threats to bring down the government.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023 when Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people in attacks on Israeli territory. Israel’s military response has since killed 61,897 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. The ministry, which is run by the Hamas-led government, reported that two children died of malnutrition-related causes on Sunday, bringing the 24-hour toll to seven.
The United Nations has described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and continues to urge all sides to reach a ceasefire and prioritise the release of civilians still held in captivity.
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