Israel's Largest Trade Union Calls General Strike

In response to the deaths of six hostages in Gaza, Israel's largest trade union, Histadrut, has announced a general strike starting Monday. The strike aims to pressure the government into securing a cease-fire and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Israel's most influential trade union, Histadrut, has declared a general strike commencing on Monday. This comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of six hostages in Gaza.

Representing approximately 800,000 workers across various sectors including health care, transportation, and banking, Histadrut hopes to amplify pressure on the government to negotiate a cease-fire with Hamas, aimed at securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

This general strike marks the first since the Hamas onslaught on October 7. A similar strike last year amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious judicial overhaul contributed to the temporary suspension of those plans.

(With inputs from agencies.)