Thousands of Israelis staged a nationwide strike on Sunday, standing in solidarity with families of hostages still held in Gaza. Protesters urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas to end the war and bring the captives home.
From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, demonstrators filled streets waving Israeli flags, carrying photos of their loved ones, and chanting over the sound of whistles and drums. Some blocked major highways, including the main route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, briefly paralyzing traffic.
“Today, everything stops to remember the highest value: the sanctity of life,” said Anat Angrest, whose son Matan is among the hostages, as she addressed crowds in Tel Aviv’s main square.
Hollywood actress Gal Gadot, known worldwide as Wonder Woman, also met with families in Tel Aviv to show her support.
The strike, organized by hostage families, drew mixed participation. While some businesses shut their doors to allow employees to join, many others remained open. Schools were unaffected as they are currently on summer break.
By afternoon, Israeli police confirmed that at least 38 protesters had been detained, some after clashing with officers while blocking roads. Demonstrations were briefly interrupted when air raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem following a missile fired from Yemen. The projectile was intercepted without causing damage.
