Mass strike brings disruptions to Israel
A rare call for a general strike in Israel to protest the failure to return hostages held in Gaza led to closures and other disruptions around the country on Monday, including at its main international airport. But it was ignored in some areas, reflecting deep political divisions. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis had poured into the streets late Sunday in grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza.  The families and much of the public blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they could have been returned alive in a deal with Hamas to end the nearly 11-month-old war. But others support Netanyahu's strategy of maintaining relentless military pressure on Hamas, whose October 7 attack into Israel triggered the war.  They say it will eventually force the militants to give in to Israeli demands, potentially lead to more successful rescues and ultimately annihilate the group. Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, called for a general strike for Monday, the first since the start of the war. It aims to shut down or disrupt major sectors of the economy, including banking, health care and the country’s main airport. Airlines at Israel’s main international airport Ben-Gurion were halting outgoing flights between 8 and 10am. Those flights either departed early or were slightly delayed, and travellers were seen lining up at check-in counters despite the limited disruption.  Arriving flights were continuing as usual during that time, according to the Israel Airports Authority. Banks, some large malls and government offices were all closed due to the strike and public transit was limited.  Municipalities in Israel’s populated central area, including Tel Aviv, were participating in the strike, leading to shortened school hours and cancellations for public daycares and kindergartens. Many municipalities, however, including Jerusalem, were not participating in the strike.  Israeli media reported that the state appealed to a labour court to cancel the strike, saying it was politically motivated. The demonstrations on Sunday appeared to be the largest since the start of the war, with organisers estimating that up to 500,000 people joined nationwide events and the main rally held in Tel Aviv.  Israeli media estimated that 200,000 to 400,000 took part. They are demanding that Netanyahu reach a deal to return the remaining roughly 100 hostages held in Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead, even if it means leaving a battered Hamas intact and withdrawing from the territory.  Many Israelis support this position, but others prioritise the destruction of the militant group over freedom for the hostages. Netanyahu has pledged “total victory” over Hamas and blames it for the failure of the negotiations, which have dragged on for much of this year. (AP)