Israel's Histadrut Union Calls General Strike

Israel's powerful Histadrut trade union has announced a general strike starting Monday morning to demand the release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire, following the recovery of six hostages' bodies. Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the strike will paralyze the economy, including halting all flights at Ben Gurion Airport. The decision comes amidst growing public outrage towards Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, which many blame for failing to secure a deal for the hostages' return. Protests are expected to escalate in Tel Aviv and across the country as citizens rally for the release of hostages and accountability from the government. Bar-David described the situation as dire, expressing that only collective action might prompt necessary political change. The military confirmed that the hostages were killed shortly before Israeli forces arrived, intensifying calls for action from both families and the public.