Israel-Hamas War: Hostage Families Demand Strike, Netanyahu Defends Gaza Plan
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, drawing international condemnation and sparking internal protests. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Israel's plan to “take over” Gaza City, a move that has been met with strong criticism from European leaders who are calling for a reversal of the decision.
Hostage Families Call for Nationwide Strike
Families of Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza are spearheading a nationwide general strike scheduled for next Sunday. This action is a direct response to the Israeli security cabinet's recent decision to expand the war and seize Gaza City. The families, joined by the October 7 Council, representing bereaved families of fallen soldiers, are determined to shut down the country to pressure the government to prioritize the safe return of the hostages and soldiers.
“We are shutting down the country to save the soldiers and the hostages,” declared representatives of the hostage families in Tel Aviv. Organizers anticipate a grassroots movement, relying on private companies and individual citizens to strike, effectively halting economic activity. Within hours of the announcement, the October 7 Council reported participation commitments from “hundreds” of companies and “thousands” of citizens.
Anat Angrest, the mother of Matan, a hostage in Gaza, made a direct appeal to leaders in the economic and labor sectors, warning, “Your silence is killing our children.” She implored them to use their power to take action, emphasizing that sympathy alone is insufficient. While Israel's largest worker union, the Histadrut, has yet to officially join the strike, a meeting is planned to persuade them to participate.
Journalists Under Fire: Growing Concerns for Press Freedom
The conflict has also raised serious concerns about the safety and freedom of journalists. The recent killing of Anas al-Sharif and other Al Jazeera correspondents and cameramen has been widely condemned. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has criticized Israel's practice of labeling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence, questioning their intent and respect for press freedom. The CPJ emphasized that journalists are civilians and should never be targeted, calling for accountability.
A UN expert on press freedom has stated that there is “growing evidence” that journalists in Gaza have been “targeted and killed by the Israeli army” based on unsubstantiated claims. UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan accused Israel of obstructing and targeting the few remaining local journalists, who serve as the “only eyes of the outside world on the ongoing genocide,” while simultaneously preventing international journalists from entering Gaza.
The situation remains highly volatile, with significant implications for both Israelis and Palestinians. The call for a nationwide strike and the concerns surrounding journalist safety highlight the deep divisions and growing anxieties surrounding the ongoing conflict.