(August 12, 2025)

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have appealed for a nationwide labor strike on Sunday to demand a cease-fire agreement with Hamas to free their relatives, even as Israel’s government has moved to expand the nearly two-year military campaign in the enclave.

“Silence enables their sacrifice on the altar of an endless war without purpose or goal,” said the Hostage Families Forum, an advocacy group. “This is the time for everyone to join us, across the entire country.”