Six Hostage Deaths in Gaza Trigger Grief, Protests, and Anger at Netanyahu

In a significant move, Israel’s largest trade union, Histadrut, has announced a general strike for Monday. The objective is to urge the Israeli government to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza, following the recovery of six hostages’ bodies, including a young Israeli-American man, by Israeli forces.

Histadrut, which serves approximately 800,000 workers across various sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and banking, emphasized that the strike would impact international travel by halting all flights at the nation’s airport. This move is a direct response to the government’s perceived inaction regarding negotiations to secure the return of hostages still held by Hamas.

This would mark the first general strike since Hamas’s initial attack on October 7, which increased tensions across the region. Historical context shows that a previous strike during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s contentious judicial reform plans led to a temporary pause in those efforts.

Protests reignited over the weekend, fueled by deep anger and sorrow among the Israeli populace. Many people hold Netanyahu responsible for not negotiating a return for the hostages and blame him for the ongoing conflict that has lasted nearly ten months. Negotiations aimed at securing a resolution have struggled and stretched over several months.

The military has reported that all six recovered hostages were killed just moments before Israeli troops arrived. In a statement, Netanyahu condemned Hamas for the killings, asserting that they are solely to blame for the breakdown in negotiations, stating that a group that murders hostages has no intention of reaching a deal.

Among the deceased was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, who, alongside four others, was captured during the October 7 assault at a music festival. A resident of Berkeley, California, Hersh lost part of his arm to a grenade during the attack. In April, a video released by Hamas showed him alive but severely injured, prompting widespread protests in Israel demanding government action for his release.

The Israeli army has identified the other deceased hostages as Ori Danino, 25; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Alexander Lobanov, 33; all taken from the same festival. The sixth, Carmel Gat, 40, was abducted from a nearby agricultural community.

Israeli forces retrieved the bodies from a tunnel in Rafah, a southern Gaza city, approximately a kilometer from where another hostage, Qaid Farhan Alkadi, 52, was rescued safely the previous week. Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani indicated that the discovery was made during ongoing combat, confirming the suspicion that Hamas was responsible for their deaths.

While Hamas has hinted at the possibility of releasing hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities, the ongoing conflict poses significant challenges. A senior Hamas official suggested that the hostages would still be alive had Israel accepted an earlier U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal that was purportedly agreed upon in July.

In light of the recent developments, Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled. However, tensions within his Cabinet have surfaced, with defense minister Yoav Gallant reportedly clashing with Netanyahu over prioritizing a strategic corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border over securing the hostages’ lives.

An official confirmed that three hostages, including Goldberg-Polin, were originally considered for release in early cease-fire discussions last July. Following the recovery of the remains, Gallant publicly expressed his sorrow and called on the Cabinet to reevaluate their decisions.

A group comprised of families of the hostages has demanded a nationwide halt to advocate for both a cease-fire and the release of those remaining. They issued a statement expressing their belief that had negotiations proceeded without delays, it’s likely that their loved ones would still be alive.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his devastation and outrage following the news of the hostages’ deaths, pledging that Hamas would face consequences for their actions and reaffirming the commitment to work relentlessly to secure the release of those still held captive. Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed her condolences and condemnation of Hamas’s actions.

Goldberg-Polin’s parents have emerged as prominent figures in the international dialogue surrounding the hostages, having met with significant leaders and addressing international forums to call for their loved ones’ safe return. The situation remains dire, with approximately 250 hostages taken during the October attacks, of which 101 are believed to still be held, including a number presumed dead.

In the initial assault on October 7, Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people, primarily civilians, as they infiltrated southern Israel, targeting military installations and local communities. Israel’s subsequent military action in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, with over 40,000 Palestinian fatalities reported by local health officials, while the region continues to grapple with vast displacement and suffering.

Source: AP