Half a Million Jobs Lost: Gaza War Costs Palestinians $9 Billion in Wages

A new report reveals the devastating economic impact of the ongoing war in Gaza. Palestinian trade unions state that more than 500,000 workers have lost their jobs since the conflict began in October 2023. The total loss in wages and income now exceeds $9 billion. This figure includes Palestinian workers from Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Before the war, nearly 200,000 Palestinians worked in Israel and Israeli settlements. These jobs were a major source of income. The Israeli government revoked all work permits after the October 7 attacks, blocking this employment. The report says the economic damage is "unprecedented." It warns of long-term harm to Palestinian society from such widespread unemployment and poverty. The unions call for immediate international action to stop the war and rebuild Gaza's economy. They urge the restoration of Palestinian workers' rights to access their previous jobs.