The Israeli trade union association Histadrut, which brings together the majority of the trade unions, has called for a general strike next Monday to try to put pressure on the Government to reach an agreement that would allow the abductees to return. The president of the association, representing hundreds of thousands of workers, has called for a one-day strike to “shake things”.

The trade unions have stated that it is unacceptable that the government is hampering the agreement for political reasons and that on Monday they will mobilise against the "abandonment of hostages". Ben Gurion airport, the main Israeli air transport hub, will be closed from 8 a.m., according to the chairman of the association Histadrut. Israeli and high-tech manufacturing workers have also joined the call for strike action. Tel Aviv City Hall itself has also joined the protest, and opposition leader Yair Lapid has also supported the mobilisations.

The ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian forces have continued uninterrupted in recent months and many have accused Netanyahu of not wanting to reach an agreement. They accuse him of "priority" in the strategy against the Palestinians on war and ethnic cleansing, as well as of wanting to prolong war for personal interests.

Mobilizations in Israel to call for a ceasefire

On Sunday, half a million people have taken to the streets in protest against Netanyahu’s policies, and they have called for an agreement. In Tel Aviv, only about 300,000 people have been mobilized, according to Israeli sources, who have required sources from Israel. The police have used violence against protesters in the most massive protests that have been recorded since 7 October.