Families of Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza have intensified their demonstrations, urging the government to negotiate a deal for the release of their loved ones.
The movement has gained significant momentum, with Histadrut, one of Israel’s most powerful labor unions, announcing a general strike on Monday in support of the cause.
The union’s backing adds substantial weight to the ongoing protests, signaling widespread public frustration with the government’s response to the hostage crisis.
The pressure on the Israeli government has also been amplified by opposition leader Yair Lapid, who has joined calls for strike action.
Lapid’s involvement underscores the growing political divide over how to address the crisis, with critics arguing that more aggressive measures are needed to secure the release of hostages.
These developments come on the heels of a grim discovery: Israeli forces recently recovered the bodies of six hostages who had been held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The news has added urgency to the demands of the hostage families, who are now more desperate than ever to see swift government action.
The hostage situation is part of the broader conflict that erupted after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which has led to significant casualties.
According to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 40,530 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.
In a separate development, a massive vaccination campaign has begun in Gaza, with thousands of children receiving polio vaccines.
The campaign is a rare moment of humanitarian focus amidst the ongoing violence, highlighting the dire health conditions faced by the population in the besieged territory.
Chioma Kalu
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