Families of hostages call for an economic boycott in protest of the proposed conquest of Gaza
In a significant display of public discontent, families of hostages and bereaved victims in Israel organised a nationwide strike on August 17, 2025. The protest was a response to the Israeli government's Cabinet decision to escalate military operations in the Gaza Strip, with concerns that such actions could endanger the remaining hostages, of whom about 20 are believed to be alive.
The day of stoppage saw roads being blocked, businesses closed, and protests at various locations including politicians' homes and military sites. Protesters chanted slogans such as "We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages." Some venues like restaurants and theaters closed in solidarity.
The situation has been escalating for nearly two years, triggered by videos of hostages released by militant groups and the announcement of a new military offensive in densely populated areas of Gaza. The families involved have called for urgent government action to halt the offensive and focus on negotiations for hostage release.
Eil Eshkol, the father of Roni who fell in a battle at the Nahal Oz outpost, urged an end to talks and a start of action to bring back Omri, one of the hostages. Lishi Miran-Lavi, the wife of Omri, called on Israeli citizens to stop actions that could lead to future disasters. Vicki Cohen, the mother of Nimrod, a soldier kidnapped to Gaza, also called for a nationwide shutdown one week from the current date to bring back the hostages.
Tzvi Zussman, the father of Sergeant Major (res.) Ben, who fell in a battle in the northern Gaza Strip, emphasized the potential for a hostage release only through giving in to Hamas demands. He, along with other families, believes that the day of the shutdown and the actions that follow will return hope to all families affected by the conflict.
The struggle for the hostage families is not a personal one but a struggle for all the citizens of Israel. They aim to begin the reconstruction of the State of Israel through peaceful means, hoping to bring an end to the conflict and the safe return of their loved ones.
Police responded to the protests with water cannons and arrests, including forcibly detaining protesters attempting to breach highways in Tel Aviv. Protesters' equipment was also confiscated.
In summary, the strike reflects deep concern among hostages' families that the Cabinet's push for conquest in Gaza risks the lives of hostages and prolonging the conflict, prompting a nationwide protest urging a ceasefire and negotiated resolution.
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- War-and-conflicts continue to dominate general-news headlines, with the escalation in the Gaza Strip causing widespread concern among citizens, as evidenced by the ongoing protests calling for a ceasefire and peace talks.
- The politics of the Israeli government's military operations in the Gaza Strip have been met with criticism from various sectors, including crime-and-justice activists who argue that the current actions could lead to further crimes against hostages and civilians alike.
