Israelis stage nationwide strike demanding Gaza swap deal, end to war

Thousands of Israelis launched a nationwide strike on Sunday, blocking highways and major transport routes to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for a prisoner exchange deal with Palestinians and an end to the war in Gaza.

The strike was organized by families of hostages held in Gaza, who say the government’s recent decision to fully occupy Gaza places the captives’ lives at greater risk. Demonstrators disrupted traffic in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, setting tires on fire and attempting to block tunnels and bridges. Police used water cannons to disperse crowds and arrested 38 people, according to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

Public broadcaster KAN reported widespread disruption, with suspended train services and road closures across the country. Hundreds of private companies, municipalities, professional unions, and universities took part. Many restaurants and cafes also closed, while Israeli artists, athletes, and public figures expressed support.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid joined demonstrators in Tel Aviv, saying: “Our hostages are not pawns. They are citizens the government must return to their families.” National Unity leader Benny Gantz and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also voiced support, with Gallant calling the return of hostages Israel’s “supreme duty.”

University leaders, including the president of Ben-Gurion University, reiterated demands for a ceasefire and a hostage deal, describing them as moral obligations.

Far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s cabinet condemned the strike. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused organizers of “emotional manipulation benefiting Hamas,” while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the protests “strengthen Hamas and delay the hostages’ return.” Transportation Minister Miri Regev argued the strike “turns solidarity for the hostages into a political campaign.”

On August 8, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Netanyahu’s plan to fully occupy Gaza City, a move that drew strong international criticism. The prime minister said the strategy aims to disarm Hamas, secure hostage releases, and maintain Israeli security control under a future civilian administration.

Israeli authorities estimate about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. Israel, in turn, holds more than 10,800 Palestinians in its prisons, where rights groups report deaths linked to torture, hunger, and lack of medical care.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 61,900 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and has pushed the enclave to the brink of famine. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, while the International Court of Justice is hearing a genocide case against Israel.