War on Gaza: Could Israel's general strike spur a policy shift?

The general strike called this week by Israel’s largest labour union, Histadrut, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. 

These protests, which erupted after the bodies of six Israeli hostages were found in a tunnel network under Gaza, have grown into the largest domestic demonstrations since the war on Gaza began on 7 October. 

The involvement of Histadrut adds a new dimension to the unrest, transforming it into a nationwide upheaval.

Families of the hostages have openly accused Netanyahu of betraying their loved ones, saying he has prioritised his personal political strategy over their safe return, as the prime minister insists on maintaining control of the strategically significant Philadelphi Corridor in Gaza. 

Read more: Could Israel's general strike spur a policy shift?