Over 500,000 Palestinians lose jobs, incur $9 billion in losses since war began

The Palestinian workforce has suffered catastrophic losses since the outbreak of war in October 2023, with over half a million people losing their jobs and income, according to a statement from the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions. The union reported Saturday that systematic Israeli military closures, blockades, and daily raids have created an unprecedented employment crisis across the occupied territories.

Unprecedented Unemployment Rates

The data reveals devastating unemployment levels, exceeding 50% in the West Bank and reaching more than 84% in the Gaza Strip. The union stated that Israeli policies over the past two years constitute "a compounded crime" against Palestinian workers, undermining their right to work and live with dignity. The collapse has affected key productive sectors including agriculture, construction, and services.

Massive Financial and Human Toll

Cumulative financial losses for Palestinian workers have surpassed $9 billion, stemming from their inability to reach workplaces and the widespread destruction of local economic infrastructure. The human cost is also severe, with the union reporting that 44 workers have been killed, hundreds injured, and over 34,000 detained by the Israeli army since the war began. The federation holds the Israeli government fully responsible for these losses and fatalities.

Violations of International Conventions

The statement accused Israeli authorities of blatantly violating international labor conventions and the Geneva Conventions, citing killings at military checkpoints and settler attacks against workers simply trying to provide for their families. This economic devastation compounds the wider humanitarian crisis, as the Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 70,700 Palestinian fatalities and 170,000 injuries since October 2023, with additional casualties in the West Bank.