Families of hostages urge nationwide protests as Israel plans to intensify military action
In a historic move, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have organized a nationwide general strike on August 17, 2025, in protest against the Israeli security cabinet's decision to expand the war into Gaza City. The strike aims to pressure the government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to agree to negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of approximately 50 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza.
The strike will involve coordinated work stoppages and rallies starting early in the morning, with major universities, including Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University, supporting the action. Various municipalities, high-tech companies, and civil society groups have joined in, with demonstrations planned nationwide at key intersections and public squares like Tel Aviv's Hostages Square.
The strike reflects a deeper political and moral opposition within Israeli society to the government's military strategy in Gaza. Critics argue the expansion into Gaza City threatens hostages and soldiers alike and lacks a clear, just objective, framing it as a tragic sacrifice in an "endless war without purpose or goal." This dissent includes not only family groups but also retired military personnel, such as air force pilots, who have held demonstrations against continued escalation.
However, Israel's largest labor federation, the Histadrut, has chosen not to participate, expressing skepticism about the strike's effectiveness in influencing military policy or securing hostages' release. Its chair, Arnon Bar-David, stated that although he empathizes deeply with the families, he doubts the strike would have practical impact.
The strike is expected to start as a grassroots effort primarily through private companies and citizens who will strike on Sunday to halt the economy. The families are expected to meet with Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David on Monday in a bid to convince him to join forces.
Israeli opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Yair Golan, have endorsed and embraced the upcoming general strike. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, has announced that the party will join the strike and called for all Israeli citizens who value life and mutual responsibility to participate. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, considers the call for a general strike by the families of the hostages as justified and appropriate.
In the past, the Histadrut has staged a general strike in support of the hostages' families. However, in 2024, following the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas, the Histadrut disrupted key sectors like transport, banking, healthcare, and joined widespread protests and demonstrations.
The families' efforts highlight the ongoing humanitarian concerns tied to the conflict in Gaza and the internal divisions within Israeli society regarding military strategy. As the strike approaches, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to the families' demands and whether the Histadrut will join the movement.
[1] Israel National News. (2025). Nationwide General Strike Planned in Israel to Protest Gaza War Expansion. [online] Available at: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/316427
[2] Haaretz. (2025). Families of Hostages in Gaza Call for General Strike Against War Expansion. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-08-01/families-of-hostages-in-gaza-call-for-general-strike-against-war-expansion/
[3] Ynet News. (2025). Retired Military Personnel Protest Against Continued Escalation in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4917317,00.html
- The upcoming general strike in Israel, organized by families of hostages in Gaza, has gained support from opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Yair Golan, actively voicing their concerns regarding the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Middle East and the political implications.
- Amidst the mounting world news and concerns about the increasing war-and-conflicts in Gaza, the general strike in Israel, led by families of hostages, aims to signal a cry for peace, seeking negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect and the need for diplomatic solutions in politics.
