The Israeli construction industry has long relied on the labor of tens of thousands of Palestinians. But Israel has revoked their permits, paralyzing job sites and upending the West Bank's economy.
An unfinished apartment construction site in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Nov. 2, 2023. Work has stopped because Israel has suspended work permits for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank.Just outside of downtown Tel Aviv, the half-built apartment building has been empty for almost a month: conduits of wires hanging loose from the ceiling, piles of unused rebar rusting, water collecting in dirt around the foundation.
Rotting food and bugs on a fridge that was used by Palestinian West Bank workers at the construction site. A handyman for a monastery in west Jerusalem told NPR he was likely to be replaced if he missed much more work. A metalworker for construction sites in Israel said he was relieved he had paid his daughter's tuition before the war began — if the war lasts too much longer, he said, his family will become lower class.
"What can I do? Nobody knows if we're going to go back or not," Raed said."On a financial level, I am destroyed. I don't know how to provide for my family.". In addition to construction, many worked in agriculture or the service sector.Tanya Habjouqa / NOOR for NPRTanya Habjouqa / NOOR for NPR "When those who work in Israel put their money here, they move the economy," said Mahmoud, an electrician."But if no one is working in Israel, then we don't get any money here. Everything stops. We're turning on the same wheel."
"This is a sacrifice for the sake of getting at least part of my rights one day," he said."And no matter how much I sacrifice, no matter the price, it won't be like what my cousins in Gaza are going through."For years, the Palestinian work permit program was seen as a way to improve relations between Israel and Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Israel's war with Hamas disrupts Palestinian workers and Israeli employers alikeThe Israeli construction industry has long relied on the labor of tens of thousands of Palestinians. But Israel has revoked their permits, paralyzing job sites and upending the West Bank's economy.
Weiterlesen »
Israel-Hamas war live updates: Blinken arrives in Israel; Israeli military describes 'lengthy battle' in GazaU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel comes as clashes between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hamas continue in Gaza.
Weiterlesen »
Palestinian-American mother and her children fleeing Israel-Hamas war stuck at Rafah border crossingPalestinian-American mother Laila Bseisso has three children. Her oldest has American citizenship, but her two other kids were born in Gaza.
Weiterlesen »
Blinken urges Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians as it fights Hamas in GazaU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said more needs to be done to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza or else there will be “no partners for peace” as he urged Israel to ensure greater humanitarian aid to the besieged territory
Weiterlesen »
Blinken urges Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians as it fights Hamas in GazaU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that more needs to be done to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza or else there will be 'no partners for peace.'
Weiterlesen »
Blinken urges Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians as it fights Hamas in GazaU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that more needs to be done to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza or else there will be “no partners for peace” as he urged Israel to ensure greater humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
Weiterlesen »