On September 2, 2024, Israel experienced a rare general strike, causing significant disruptions across the country. The strike, called by the Histadrut, Israel's largest trade union founded in 1920, aimed to protest the government's failure to secure the return of hostages held in Gaza.
The strike led to closures and disruptions in major sectors of the economy, including banking, healthcare, and transportation. Ben-Gurion International Airport, named after Israel's first Prime Minister, saw outgoing flights halted for two hours, while arriving flights continued as usual.
The public's response to the strike was mixed, reflecting the deep political divisions within Israeli society. While some areas, including Tel Aviv, Israel's economic center, fully participated in the strike, others, such as Jerusalem, did not. This divide mirrors the ongoing debate over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy.
The strike followed massive demonstrations across Israel, with organizers estimating up to 500,000 participants nationwide. These protests demanded that Netanyahu negotiate a deal to return the remaining hostages, even if it means leaving Hamas intact and withdrawing from Gaza.
The catalyst for these events was the discovery of six dead hostages in Gaza, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Their deaths have intensified public pressure on the government to prioritize hostage return over military objectives.
"Autopsies determined the hostages were shot at close range and died on Thursday or Friday."
The ongoing conflict, which began with Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, has had devastating consequences. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and the majority of its 2.3 million residents have been displaced, often multiple times.
As Israel grapples with this crisis, it's worth noting that the country has a population of approximately 9.3 million as of 2024. Despite the ongoing conflict, Israel maintains a technologically advanced economy, often referred to as the "Start-up Nation."
The situation remains tense, with Hamas offering to release hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
As the strike unfolds, Israel's multi-party system and its 120-seat Knesset face the challenge of addressing the public's demands while navigating the complexities of the ongoing conflict. The outcome of this crisis may have far-reaching implications for Israel's political landscape and its approach to national security.