A general strike is taking place in Israel after protests over what is seen as the government’s failure to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, the BBC reports.
Histadrut – one of the country’s most powerful unions – announced the one-day strike. It remains unclear how widely the action will be observed.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of people rallied across Israel after the bodies of six hostages were recovered by soldiers on Saturday.
In some regions across Israel, the following sectors and organisations will take part in the strike:
- Businesses, banks and a number of government ministries
- The Israel Business Forum, which represents workers from hundreds of Israel’s largest private sector companies
- Elementary and middle schools will only open until 11:45 local time (09:45 BST)
- Hospitals and health clinics will run at a reduced capacity
- Transport disruption is expected, as three major bus companies – Egged, Dan and Metropolin – take part, roads are blocked and a temporary closure affects Ben Gurion airport
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.
More than 40,530 people have been killed in Gaza since 7 October, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
