Protesters around Israel last night demanded the government to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas after six Israeli captives were found dead in Gaza.

An estimated 100,000 people protested in the streets of Tel Aviv, while many more protested outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem.

Protesters outside of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office chanted “Now! Now!” as they demanded that the Israeli government reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas to bring the remaining hostages home. Meanwhile the crowd that had gathered in Tel Aviv repeatedly yelled “Officer, officer, who are you protecting?” then following up with “Bibi [Netanyahu], you’re killing the hostages.”

Powerful Israeli labour union Histadrut added to the pressure on Prime Minster Netanyahu’s government to sign a ceasefire and return the remaining captives home as he called for a general strike on Monday. It will be the first general strike in Israel since March last year.

The national strike is expected to halt a large part of Israel’s economy including banks, schools, private businesses, transportation and healthcare. Part of the general strike will also shut down Israel’s main airport, from 8am Monday.

Head of Histadrut Arnon Bar-David said the current plan for the general strike was for it to last one day, but it may be extended depending on certain circumstances. He also says that the government reaching a deal with Hamas is the highest priority.

“A deal is more important than anything else,” he said.

“We are getting body bags instead of a deal.”

Photo: Two Messages by Alisdare Hickson is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.