Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are urging businesses and citizens to participate in a nationwide strike and rallies on Sunday. Their goal is to pressure the government to reach a deal with Hamas for an immediate cease-fire and the release of the remaining captives. Despite nearly two years of demonstrations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not agreed to a deal, and he has announced plans to expand military operations into the last areas of Gaza not under Israeli control. Relatives of the hostages fear that further military action could put their loved ones at greater risk.

Original article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/16/world/middleeast/israel-nationwide-strike-hostages.html
Source Id: 2025-08-806709141