The protests, which involved a wide range of sectors, highlighted deep-seated frustration towards the government as anger surged following the recovery of hostages killed in Gaza. Walkouts by healthcare professionals limited hospital capabilities to emergency services, underscoring the impact on public health and safety.
Aviva Siegel, a former hostage, emphasized, 'We need the hostages to come home with a deal; we don't need the army going to look for them.' This statement encapsulates the urgent call for a diplomatic solution rather than ongoing military action.
The general strike reflected widespread discontent with Prime Minister Netanyahu's approach to hostage negotiations, which many criticized as prioritizing military pressure on Hamas over diplomatic efforts to secure the return of captives.
Protest turnout reached nearly 500,000, marking the largest demonstrations since the onset of conflict, signaling the significant public demand for change in the government's handling of the hostage situation.
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