Families of Israeli Hostages Call for Nationwide Strike Against Gaza War Expansion

Families of hostages held captive in Gaza have announced plans for a nationwide strike next Sunday, in protest against the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to escalate military action and take control of Gaza City.

“We are halting the country’s operation to secure the release of our soldiers and the hostages,” declared relatives of the hostages in Tel Aviv, who were joined by the October 7 Council, an organization representing families of fallen soldiers from the war’s onset.

Organizers expect the strike to gain traction primarily through private companies and individuals who will halt their operations on Sunday, thereby impeding the national economy.

Within hours of the announcement, the October 7 Council reported that hundreds of companies had pledged participation in the strike, along with thousands of citizens who have vowed to take a day off.

Israel’s largest worker union, Histadrut, has yet to officially join the strike. Families of the hostages are scheduled to meet with Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David on Monday to discuss potential cooperation.

Anat Angrest, mother of Matan, one of the hostages being held in Gaza, addressed industry leaders, stating, “Your silence is causing our children’s deaths.” She continued, “I know your empathy and pain are with us – but that is not enough. Silence kills. That is why I am here today to ask for something I have avoided until now – to appeal to the heads of industry: you have the power.”

Last year, Histadrut staged a general strike in support of the hostages’ families following the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in September 2024. The union disrupted key sectors like transport, banking, healthcare, and participated in widespread protests and demonstrations throughout the day. However, the Israeli government criticized their actions as politically motivated and moved to halt the strike through a labor court injunction.

Although Histadrut has yet to publicly comment on the current strike, opposition leaders have endorsed and supported the initiative. Leader of the opposition Yair Lapid stated, “The call by the families of the hostages for a general strike is justified and appropriate.”

Chairman of the Democrats party, Yair Golan, announced that his party would join the strike and urged “all Israeli citizens – anyone who cherishes life and mutual responsibility – to participate in the strike, take to the streets, resist, and disrupt.”

Facing harsh criticism from families of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, the Israeli security cabinet announced plans on Friday to broaden the military campaign and seize control of Gaza City. Critics warn that this new military operation could endanger the living hostages and lead to their deaths.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the escalation during a press conference on Sunday, asserting, “Contrary to misleading claims, this is the most effective way to bring an end to the conflict and to bring about a swift conclusion.”