Tel Aviv — Israel saw one of its most disruptive protest waves in months on Sunday, as demonstrators staged a nationwide strike demanding the government secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
Organised by families of hostages and bereaved relatives, the “day of stoppage” brought traffic to a halt, shuttered businesses, and sparked rallies in dozens of cities. Demonstrators blocked highways, lit bonfires, and gathered outside politicians’ homes and army headquarters. Police deployed water cannons to disperse crowds and reported 32 arrests.
The protests come amid mounting anguish over the fate of around 50 hostages still in Gaza — with only 20 believed alive. Families fear new Israeli military operations could endanger them. “Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back — it only kills them,” said former hostage Arbel Yehoud in Tel Aviv.
Though Israel’s main labour union Histadrut declined to formally join, municipalities and private businesses halted work independently, underscoring the strike’s unusual scope.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from both sides: hostage families urging a deal, and far-right coalition partners threatening to collapse his government if Hamas remains in control of Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced the protests as weakening Israel and “playing into Hamas’ hands.”
Regional Front Expands
Even as protests raged, the Israeli military said it struck energy infrastructure in Yemen, targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces who have launched missiles at Israel and Red Sea shipping lanes. Houthi media reported a power plant near Sanaa was hit, causing a fire and blackout.
Preparations for Gaza Offensive
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a renewed push into Gaza City, while easing some restrictions on aid. The defence body COGAT said shipments of tents and shelters would resume to enable evacuations, though humanitarian groups warn deliveries remain “drastically short of needs.”
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 61,000 people — about half women and children — have been killed since October 2023. On Sunday alone, officials said seven children died from malnutrition, including two infants. The UN cites the ministry’s figures as the most reliable available, though Israel disputes them.
The war began after Hamas’ 7 October assault, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to nearly the entire population of Gaza being displaced.
