Relatives of captives held by Hamas denounced the Israeli government for what they called “an endless war without purpose.” It was unclear how many people would take part in the labor strike.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, as well as the opposition and a large part of the Israeli public, are strongly against the expansion of the operation, arguing it would put their loved ones at even more risk.

Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza have called for a nationwide strike to demand a cease-fire with Hamas, even as Israel’s government moves to expand its nearly two-year military campaign. “Silence enables their sacrifice on the altar of an endless war without purpose or goal,