Tel aviv: Several Israeli companies have announced their participation in a general strike on August 17 as a show of support for families of captives held in Gaza. The move aims to pressure the government into securing a prisoner exchange with Palestinian factions.

According to Anadolu Agency, the companies involved have committed to halting operations and disrupting economic activity in alignment with the families' campaign to negotiate a deal for the captives' return. The planned strike was made public during a press conference in Tel Aviv, where organizers emphasized their intention to paralyze public life, impacting essential services and major corporations. They have called for widespread public involvement in the initiative.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed his support on X, noting that "the call to disrupt the economy is justified and necessary. We will continue supporting the moves of captive families." The strike follows the Israeli Security Cabinet's approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to fully occupy Gaza City, a decision that has faced significant international criticism from governments and human rights organizations.

There have been ongoing protests demanding an agreement to secure the captives' release, even if it requires ending the conflict. However, critics argue that Netanyahu is delaying negotiations with Hamas for political reasons, including maintaining his governing coalition. Israel's actions in Gaza have been widely condemned, with over 61,400 casualties reported since October 2023. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.