Almost 500,000 People In Israel Held A Huge Nationwide Strike Against The Government’s Plan To Take Over Gaza

Nearly half a million people across Israel took part in a massive nationwide strike against the government’s plan to take over Gaza on Sunday, Aug. 17, in one of the country’s largest protests since Oct. 7.

Protesters blocked highways, shut down offices, universities, and shops, and filled city streets to demand that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu end the war in Gaza and bring the remaining hostages home.

The strike was organized by families of the hostages, who say Netanyahu’s plan to fully take over Gaza would endanger those still held there.

Another about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 still believed to be alive.

Police broke up protests in several cities, arresting at least 38 people. Netanyahu criticized the strike, claiming it would slow down hostage negotiations.

The mass action comes just a week after more than 100,000 people protested in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu’s Gaza plan.

Israel's genocide has killed more than 62,192 Palestinians in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.

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