Protests into 2nd day in Israel as general strike for ceasefire deal ordered to end

A rare general strike in Israel to protest the failure to return hostages held in Gaza led to disruptions around Israel on Monday as protests were into their second day.

U.S. President Joe Biden has also weighed in, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu isn’t doing enough to reach a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis poured into the streets late Sunday in grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza. The families and much of the public blamed Netanyahu, saying they could have been returned alive in a deal with Hamas to end the nearly 11-month-old war in Gaza.

But others support Netanyahu’s strategy of maintaining relentless military pressure on Hamas, the militant group behind the Oct. 7 attack into Israel that triggered the war. The general strike was ignored in some areas, reflecting deep political divisions in Israel over a ceasefire deal.

Biden made his comments as he arrived at the White House for a meeting with advisers involved in negotiating a deal. Asked if Netanyahu was doing enough, Biden responded, “No.”

He insisted that negotiators remain “very close” to a deal, adding, “Hope springs eternal.”

Hamas has accused Israel of dragging out months of negotiations over a ceasefire by issuing new demands, including for lasting Israeli control over two strategic corridors in Gaza. Hamas has offered to release all hostages in return for an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants.

Netanyahu has refused to commit to an end to the offensive in Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal and has pledged “total victory” over Hamas, blaming the militant group for the failure of the negotiations.

WATCH | Massive protests Sunday night in Israel after hostage deaths:

Protesters jam streets after 6 Israeli hostages found dead

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Israel to protest the government after six hostages were found dead in a tunnel in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Many accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not doing enough to reach a deal to release the remaining hostages.

When asked about Biden’s comments, Netanyahu said pressure should be applied to…