Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for a strike in solidarity with hostages in Gaza on August 17, backed by their families.

Yair Lapid has publicly called for a strike in solidarity with Gaza hostages, following demands from their families. Although the Histadrout union refused to halt the economy, it pledged support for solidarity demonstrations. The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when a Hamas attack led to the capture of 251 hostages, only 22 of whom are still considered alive. Lapid emphasizes that the action is not political but a gesture of human solidarity.