The Tel Aviv Labor Court ruled today, Monday, that the general strike which has halted most economic activities in Israel must conclude by 2:30 PM local time, according to judicial documents reviewed by Reuters.
In response, the chairman of the Histadrut, Israel’s national trade union center, has directed workers to return to their jobs following the court’s decision.
The strike, initiated earlier today by the union, was aimed at pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza following the death of six hostages held by Hamas, which sparked widespread protests across Israel.
The labor action underscores the increasing tensions and the urgent calls for peace in the region.
Israeli protesters clashed with police in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening, demanding a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
The demonstrations, which saw hundreds of thousands of Israelis taking to the streets, were met with a heavy-handed response from law enforcement.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli police deployed water cannons and sound grenades to disperse the large crowd in Tel Aviv, resulting in several minor injuries and at least 20 arrests for inciting violence.
The protests were triggered by recent developments in Gaza and the Israeli government’s handling of the hostage situation.
Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces announced the discovery of six Israeli hostages’ bodies in a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza.
This revelation intensified public outrage against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
The discovery of these bodies led to widespread protests across Israel, with organizers estimating that around 770,000 people participated nationwide, including approximately 550,000 in Tel Aviv alone.
