Does plight here mean (1)? Or (2)

(1)a solemn pledge of fidelity
(2) a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one

I choose (2), but not absolutely sure.

Context:

In the same issue my Israeli colleagues gingerly examine the ethical conflicts faced by the Israeli medical profession in their recent four-month strike. While the authors opt for a system in which strikes are unnecessary they do not fully come to grips with the ethical issues involved, and the tone of the article is basically one of understanding and even condoning the strike because of the physicians' plight.