Israeli students have embarked on a nationwide strike to demand the release of hostages held in Gaza and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The strike, which coincides with the start of the new school year, has seen hundreds of pupils block major intersections and school entrances, calling for a negotiated agreement between Israel and Hamas.
According to reports, around 2.5 million students were expected to return to school on Monday, but many refused to attend classes in protest against the continued fighting in the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing for almost two years. Students held signs reading “No education without the hostages,” emphasizing their solidarity with the captives. The hostages, numbering around 48, were taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,250 people and the abduction of 250 individuals to Gaza.
The strike has affected several schools in central Israel, with around 100 student representatives gathering in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to rally for the release of the hostages. One student, Hanoch Cohen, stated that the strike was a demonstration of solidarity with the hostages, who are fellow Israelis. The scene has been the site of numerous rallies and protests since the October 2023 attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been criticized for his handling of the situation, with relatives of the hostages accusing the government of sabotaging a potential peace deal. A proposed agreement, reportedly agreed upon by Hamas, would see the release of 10 hostages during a 60-day ceasefire. However, Netanyahu is said to favor an agreement that secures the release of all hostages simultaneously. With around 20 of the 48 hostages believed to still be alive, the situation remains a pressing concern for the Israeli government and the families of the captives.
The strike by Israeli students serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how the Israeli government responds to the demands of its citizens and the plight of the hostages held in Gaza.