Strike paralyzes aspects of life in the West Bank in response to global calls. The call for the strike began outside the Palestinian territories and then Palestine became part of it. "This is not a day off or rest, but a day for popular events in support of our people in Gaza," says one activist. "The strike confirms that the Palestinian people are not isolated, and that their right to live is not under threat," says another. The strike comes after the U.S. vetoed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict.
Those who believe Palestinians in Gaza oppose Hamas and would reciprocate Israeli efforts for peace are “naive,” according to former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.