General strike in Israel: Protests against the occupation of Gaza continue

Tens of thousands of people in Israel who oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to occupy Gaza took to the streets as part of a general strike. Protesters demanded an immediate ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal.

The general strike held on Sunday was organized at the call of Israeli hostage families and received support from many parts of the country. Leading universities, 75 local governments, some labor unions, and opposition parties participated in demonstrations held in many cities, primarily Tel Aviv.

PROTESTS IN FRONT OF MINISTERS' HOMES

Demonstrators gathered in front of the homes of far-right government ministers in the morning to protest the decision to occupy Gaza. Actions were held in front of the homes of Education Minister Yoav Kisch and several other ministers. Speaking to the Haaretz newspaper, protesters stated that 'the idea of conquering Gaza is a death sentence for the hostages.'

ROADS BLOCKED, ARRESTS MADE

As part of the general strike, roads were blocked in the capital Tel Aviv and other cities. The Ayalon highway, one of Tel Aviv's main arteries, and highways leading to Jerusalem were closed to traffic. Israeli police detained at least 32 people. While 11 people who blocked roads in Tel Aviv were detained on charges of 'disturbing public order,' 21 others were detained for various reasons in Jerusalem and other cities. In Jerusalem, police used water cannons against protesters who were blocking the road.

SUPPORT FROM TECH WORKERS

Hundreds of people working in the high-tech sector also joined the strike, blocking traffic on major streets in Tel Aviv. Protesters, who unfurled banners and chanted slogans against the attacks on Gaza, ignored police warnings. Although Histadrut, Israel's largest labor federation, did not join the strike, its chairman Arnon Bar-David called on Netanyahu to stop the attacks on Gaza.

REACTION FROM THE OPPOSITION

Yair Lapid, leader of the main opposition party Yesh Atid, visited the crowd gathered in Tel Aviv and shared a message on social media stating, 'Our hostages cannot be sacrificed for the sake of the government's war efforts.' Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz also called on the government to support the families of the hostages.

Prime Minister Netanyahu accused those participating in the strike of hindering the release of the hostages. Stating that the attacks on the Gaza Strip would continue, Netanyahu expressed that they would not stop operations until Hamas is defeated.

News Source: 12punto