A nationwide strike that threatens to shut down the entire Israeli economy is underway to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal that would ensure the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The strike was called by the countrys largest labor union, known as Histadrut, following public fury over the killing of six captives in Hamas tunnels under Gaza.

Protests, planned as part of the strike, are also underway, with some demonstrators blocking one of the main avenues in central Tel Aviv.

Heres whos participating in the strike:

Municipalities, including Tel-Aviv and Haifa, have said they would join the strike, according to a list from the Histadrut and statements from some cities.

The list also includees many government ministries that impact a range of public services, including parts of the Prime Ministers Office, the Interior Ministry, and others.

Flight departures and arrivals at Tel Avivs Ben Gurion International Airport will be halted for two hours from 8 a.m. (1 a.m. ET).

Hospitals and healthcare centers will be staffed on a weekend schedule and an emergency basis, according to Histadrut.

Israels teachers union said it would not join the strike - but school support staff will, which may impact educational institutions. Kindergartens will remain closed if there are no support staff on the premises and elementary and middle schools will be open until 11:45 a.m. only if there is no staff.

Israels biggest universities will join the strike, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University, according to Histadrut.

Fire and rescue services, as well as special education programs, will operate normally, according to Histadrut.

Workers who join the strike risk not being paid by employers, the Ministry of Finance said on Sunday. Based on basic labor rules in the country, wages will not be paid to those who are absent and take part in the strike, it said.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has asked the countrys attorney general to request urgent injunctions to prevent the strike. A hearing will be held this morning. (CNN)

PHOTO: Top row, from left: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi and Carmel Gat. Bottom row, from left: Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi and Alex Lobanov. Courtesy Goldberg-Polin family/Courtesy Gat family/Hostages and Missing Families Forum