The news
Israeli authorities said they bodies of six hostagesincluding an Israeli-American dual citizen who was among the highest-profile captives of Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Security services said the six were killed shortly before they arrived at the site of the hostages being held in a tunnel beneath Rafah. Among them was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose parents had met with world leaders and other politicians to try to secure their son’s release.
The announcement led to major protests to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as many Israelis blame him for the slow pace of negotiations with Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage return, which have been dragging on for months.
Tel Aviv’s local government announced a half-day strike on Monday in solidarity with the hostages, while the largest labor union, Hitradut, called for a nationwide general strike.
“Eden, Carmel, Hersh, Ori, Almog and Alex should be home now. Alive,” wrote Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai on X Sunday, referring to the hostages. He called on people to “take to the streets.”
