Hostage Families Announce Nationwide Strike Over Gaza City Occupation Plan
Families and unions mobilize across Israel to challenge government’s Gaza strategy amid hostage crisis
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Families of hostages held in Gaza and victims of the October 7 massacre have declared a nationwide shutdown for Sunday, August 17, in protest against the Israeli Security Cabinet’s recent decision to occupy Gaza City.
At a press briefing outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, representatives of the October Council, an organization formed by hostage families, warned that the plan to take control of Gaza City endangers the lives of both hostages and Israeli soldiers.
The families called on private companies, public organizations, and labor unions across Israel to participate in the strike, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for unified public pressure.
Histadrut Considers Joining the Strike
Yaniv Levi, a representative from the Histadrut, Israel’s national trade union, told KAN that the union intends to meet with hostage families on Monday to discuss possible coordinated actions.
“This issue is in our hearts and our blood,” Levi said. “Tomorrow we will come with other players in the economy. Wherever we can help, we will help.”
Levi urged the public to support the families in their fight, stressing the feeling of abandonment they experience. “If, God forbid, I were in their place, I don’t know how I would act. They have simply been abandoned,” he said.
Last year, Histadrut head Arnon Bar-David voiced support for a large march organized by hostage families, providing resources and personnel to assist demonstrators.
Controversy Over Gaza Occupation Plan
Last Friday, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy to occupy Gaza City as part of five principles intended to end the ongoing war. These include disarming Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, alive or deceased, demilitarizing Gaza, maintaining Israeli security control over the area, and establishing a civilian government independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
However, the plan has met fierce criticism from hostage families and opposition leaders alike, who describe it as “a disaster” that risks the safety of hostages still held in Gaza.
As tensions mount, the announced nationwide strike signals growing unrest among Israelis demanding a shift in government policy to prioritize hostage safety and a peaceful resolution.