Israel’s Tel Aviv-Yafo Labor Court ordered an end on Monday to the general strike organized by Israel’s labor union confederation the Histadrut, local media reported. The Histadrut later confirmed its acceptance of the court’s decision, with Hisadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David calling for “everyone to return to work at 14:30.”

The Histadrut, the General Federation of Labour in Israel, called for Monday’s general strike the day prior. Bar-David confirmed the strike was meant to pressure the government to negotiate for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The labor court decided to end the planned protests as it considered them to be “political” in nature.

The strike follows the murder of six Israeli hostages by Hamas amid stalled negotiations for the release of hostages. Arnon Bar-David stated, “It is the government’s responsibility to bring our hostages home. It is inconceivable that our children will not return because of narrow considerations and interests.”

Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu pinned the blame on the deadlocked negotiations on Hamas, saying, “Whoever murders hostages does not want a deal.” Despite this, Netanyahu has assured the public of his government’s commitment to return the hostages to Israel. Bar-David argued that only a strike would cause the situation to change.

The first release of hostages occurred in November 2023 as part of a successful Israel-Hamas deal. Since then, negotiations have proven to be arduous, with recent negotiations in Cairo ending without an agreement.

The chairman of this federation has also addressed the decision of the court to end the strikes based on its political influence. Bar-David argued the intention behind the strikes was “an act of solidarity.”