Arafat Qaddous, a 51-year-old Palestinian, spent years working construction jobs in Israel, providing for his wife and five children. His story is emblematic of the struggles faced by many Palestinians who rely on work permits to cross the separation wall into Israel. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Qaddous was one of approximately 130,000 Palestinians permitted to work in Israel, a lifeline that allowed him to support his family from his hometown of Iraq Burin, near Nablus.
However, the pandemic exacerbated existing economic challenges in the West Bank, leading to a significant decline in job opportunities. Qaddous’s brother, Qusai, highlighted the dire situation, stating that job scarcity and rising prices made it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet. The situation worsened dramatically after October 7, 2023, when Israel indefinitely suspended Palestinian work permits in response to a Hamas attack. This decision left many, including Qaddous, without legal means to earn a living.
Faced with desperation, Qaddous attempted to cross the wall to take a job in Taybeh, risking his life for the sake of his family. On April 26, 2024, he paid local men to help him scale the wall, hoping to find work on the other side. Tragically, during his attempt, he fell and sustained a serious head injury. Israeli police, witnessing his plight, allegedly prevented medical assistance from reaching him, leading to his death from blood loss. His story is not isolated; since October 2023, at least 44 Palestinian workers have died while attempting to cross the wall, according to the Palestinian Workers’ Union.
The Israeli government’s crackdown on Palestinian laborers has intensified, with reports of increasing violence from border police. A recent report from the Red Crescent indicates that since the beginning of 2025, over 100 Palestinians have been shot in the legs by Israeli forces near the separation wall. This violence is part of a broader pattern of oppression that has historically characterized the Israeli occupation, which has systematically undermined the Palestinian economy and forced many into dependency on low-wage labor in Israel.
Before the escalation of violence in October 2023, nearly 20 percent of Palestinian laborers were employed in Israel or its settlements, primarily in construction and agriculture. This figure plummeted to just 4 percent following the conflict, cutting off a crucial source of income for many families. The economic fallout has been devastating, with unemployment rates soaring to over 50 percent nationally, and even higher in Gaza.
The Israeli government has also withheld tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority, further crippling the economy in the West Bank. This financial stranglehold has forced many Palestinians to seek illegal crossings into Israel, despite the heightened risks. Reports suggest that around 40,000 Palestinians are now attempting to cross the wall illegally, driven by the urgent need for income.
The plight of Palestinian workers is compounded by systemic inequalities within the Israeli labor market. Many laborers face harsh working conditions, including lack of benefits, job security, and protections under labor laws. Mohammad Blidi, head of the workers’ union in Tulkarem, emphasized that as an occupying power, Israel has a legal obligation to provide fair working conditions for Palestinians, yet the reality is starkly different.
The situation for laborers from Gaza has been particularly dire since the October 7 attacks, with thousands detained despite holding valid work permits. Reports from advocacy groups like Gisha reveal that these detentions were carried out without legal justification, often accompanied by mistreatment and abuse. Many workers have recounted harrowing experiences of violence and psychological torture during their detainment.
One poignant account from a Gaza worker illustrates the devastating impact of the conflict on families. After losing his wife and children in an airstrike, he was detained by Israeli forces and subjected to brutal interrogations. His story underscores the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict, as families are torn apart and livelihoods destroyed.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community must grapple with the humanitarian implications of these policies. The economic and social fabric of Palestinian society is at a breaking point, and urgent action is needed to address the systemic injustices that have persisted for decades. The stories of individuals like Arafat Qaddous serve as a stark reminder of the human toll of political conflict and the urgent need for a resolution that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all people in the region.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research