Massive Israeli labor strike planned in response to hostage deaths

Israel's largest labor union on Sunday called for a one-day strike after the country recovered the bodies of six Oct. 7 hostages taken during Hamas's terror attack. The Israel Defense Forces said Hamas "cruelly murdered" the hostages before they could be saved.

The Histadrut Labor Federation, which represents thousands of workers, wants its members to strike on Monday, the New York Post reported.

"We are getting body bags instead of a deal," said Histadrut Labor Federation leader Arnon Bar-David.

"We must reach a deal. A deal is more important than anything else," Bar-David added.

The labor leader accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of politicizing the ceasefire negotiations, which have stalled over a dispute about whether Israel will vacate the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza–Egypt border.

"Whoever murders hostages – does not want a deal," Netanyahu said in a press release on Sunday. He added that "Our efforts to free our hostages are continuing constantly."

"Since December, Hamas has refused to hold genuine negotiations," Netanyahu said in the release. "Three months ago, on May 27, Israel agreed to a hostage release deal with full backing from the US. Hamas refused. Even after the US updated the deal framework on August 16 – we agreed, and Hamas again refused."

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the largest advocate for the hostages, endorsed the strike.

"Israel’s social, financial, and municipality leadership voices the people’s demand: Seal the deal now!" the group said.

The Israel Business Forum, which represents many of the nation's private-sector workers, and the Israel's Manufacturers' Association, also endorsed the strike.

The strike is expected to impact much of Israel's economy and lead to an airport and public transportation shutdown, the Jewish News Syndicate reported.

The strike is not expected to impact pharmacies, hospitals, defense plants, food plants, or special education.