Families of Israelis still held hostage in Gaza are calling for a nationwide general strike next Sunday, in response to the Israeli security cabinet’s recent approval of a plan to expand the war and seize Gaza City.
“We are shutting down the country to save the soldiers and the hostages,” said relatives of the captives during a gathering in Tel Aviv. They were joined by members of the October 7 Council, representing bereaved families of soldiers killed at the start of the conflict.
Organizers explained that the initiative would begin as a grassroots campaign, driven mainly by private companies and individuals who plan to stop work on Sunday in an effort to stall the economy.
Within hours of the announcement, the October 7 Council reported that “hundreds” of businesses and “thousands of citizens” had pledged to take part in the strike.
Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, has not yet committed to joining. The families are scheduled to meet Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David on Monday in an attempt to rally his support.
Anat Angrest, whose son Matan is among the hostages, issued a direct appeal to economic and labor leaders, “Your silence is killing our children.” She added, “I know your hearts are with us and in pain, but that is not enough. Silence kills. That is why I am here today to ask for something I have avoided until now, to ask the heads of industry: you have the power.”
The Histadrut previously staged a general strike in solidarity with the hostages’ families in 2024, following the killing of six captives by Hamas in September.
That action disrupted transport, banking, healthcare, and other sectors, drawing sharp criticism from the Israeli government, which moved to stop the strike via a labor court injunction.
While the union has remained silent on the new call for action, several opposition figures have voiced their backing.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid described the families’ demand for a strike as “justified and appropriate.”
Democrats party chairman Yair Golan announced his party’s participation, urging, “On all Israeli citizens – anyone who holds the values of life and mutual responsibility dear – to strike with us, to take to the streets, to resist and disrupt.”
The cabinet’s decision to press ahead with the takeover of Gaza City has triggered strong objections from relatives of the remaining 50 hostages, including the 20 believed to be alive.
They warn the move could jeopardize the captives’ lives.
Defending the strategy at a Sunday news conference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered, “Contrary to false claims, this is the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily.”