Israeli Labour Union Calls for General Strike to Free Hostages

The head of Israel's Histadrut labour union, Arnon Bar-David, has called for a general strike to pressure the government into negotiating the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Civilian workers are asked to join, with Ben Gurion airport set to close at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT).

The leader of Israel's Histadrut labour union, Arnon Bar-David, announced a general strike on Monday to press the government into reaching an agreement for the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Bar-David urged all civilian workers to participate in the strike, emphasizing that Israel's main air transport hub, Ben Gurion airport, will be shut down starting at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT).

Bar-David's call for unified action highlights the growing frustration and urgency of the situation, as efforts to bring the hostages back continue to stall.

(With inputs from agencies.)