Nationwide Strike Grips Israel Following Killing of Hostages by Hamas

Israel‘s main international airport, Ben Gurion, briefly suspended flights on Monday as part of a nationwide strike in response to public outrage over the killing of six hostages by Hamas.

The strike, organized by the Histadrut labor union, highlights growing frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of hostage negotiations and the ongoing conflict. The strike began Monday morning and aimed to pressure the government into securing a ceasefire-for-hostages deal for over 100 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths.

Protests erupted in several cities over the weekend, with demonstrators demanding Netanyahu’s resignation. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized the government for prioritizing territorial control over hostage negotiations, calling it a “moral disgrace.”

While some municipalities joined the strike, Israel’s teachers’ union opted out, although support staff participation could affect education. Major universities, including Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, will also participate, significantly disrupting their operations. As tensions rise, U.S. officials emphasize the urgency of reaching a resolution for the remaining hostages held by Hamas.