Israel's largest trade union, the Histadrut, called for a nationwide strike on September 2. The strike has disrupted transportation and health services in several Israeli districts and forced many shops and businesses to close. The Histadrut represents hundreds of thousands of workers.
Protesters in Tel Aviv call for an agreement to immediately release hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, September 1. Photo: AP
It was the first strike since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted, affecting key sectors of the economy, including banking and health care.
Banks, several major shopping malls and government offices joined the strike, as did some public transport services, although there appeared to be no major disruption.
Airlines at Israel's main international airport, Ben-Gurion, have suspended departure flights from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Arrivals are not affected, according to the Israel Airports Authority.
Cities in Israel's densely populated central region, including Tel Aviv, joined the strike, but others, including Jerusalem, did not, reflecting deep political divisions in Israel over the ceasefire after nearly 11 months of fighting.
The Israeli Labor Court ruled that the general strike must end at 2:30 p.m., saying that the strike had no economic basis and was primarily political. The Histadrut accepted the ruling and called off the strike.
Later, at a cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike action was shameful and even strengthened the power of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Earlier on August 1, an estimated 500,000 people took part in protests across Israel and the main rally in Tel Aviv, many demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu reach a deal to release some 100 hostages still being held in Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.
The demonstrations were a mixture of grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza. It appeared to be the largest demonstration since the conflict began. Families and much of the public blamed Netanyahu, saying they could have been returned alive in a deal with Hamas.
Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, AP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nguoi-israel-lan-dau-tong-dinh-cong-tren-khap-ca-nuoc-post310335.html
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