A general strike is underway in the Israeli-occupied lands as protesters vent their anger over prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet’s failure to reach a ceasefire agreement that would release the Israeli captives still held in Gaza.

The largest Israeli labor union, known as Histadrut, called the strike after the bodies of six Israeli captives were found inside a tunnel in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
 
Dozens of protesters blocked Ibn Gvirol Street in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, demanding that the ruling administration reach a deal as soon as possible.
 
Protesters also gathered at Shilat Junction near Modiin and blocked a road in the city of Rosh Pina at the northern side of the occupied territories.
 
According to a list from the Histadrut and statements from some cities, municipalities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, have declared they would join the strike.
 
The list goes on to include many ministries like the interior ministry, and parts of the prime minister’s office.
 
Israel’s biggest universities, including Tel Aviv University, have also announced that they will join the strike.
 
Israeli opposition leader and former prime minister Yair Lapid said he supported the strike.
 
On Sunday, Israel’s Ministry of Finance said workers who join the strike risk not being paid by employers. Based on basic Israeli labor rules, wages will not be paid to those who are absent and take part in the strike, it asserted.
 
Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement have dragged on for months. Many blame Netanyahu for the failure to conclude a deal.