Before October 7, Palestinian laborers would cross into Israel for jobs. These workers would spend hours at the border checkpoint, enduring rigorous security checks and long queues, just for the opportunity to earn a living. However, on that fateful day, their hopes and dreams were shattered as Israel revoked their work permits and unleashed a violent crackdown on these desperate individuals.
For many years, Palestinian laborers have been crossing into Israel in search of employment. The Palestinian economy has long been struggling, with high unemployment rates and limited job opportunities. As a result, many Palestinians have turned to Israel as a source of employment, despite the difficulties and risks involved.
These laborers would often work in construction, agriculture, and other manual labor jobs that are shunned by many Israelis. They would leave their families behind and travel for hours to reach the border, hoping for a chance to make a decent wage. Many of them have been working in Israel for years, building homes, roads, and other structures that are essential to the country’s development.
However, on October 7, everything changed. Israel decided to revoke the work permits of thousands of Palestinian laborers, leaving them with no source of income. The reasons given for this sudden decision were security concerns and the need to protect Israeli jobs. But for these workers, it was a devastating blow that left them with no means to support their families.
One of these workers was Mohammed, a 35-year-old father of three. He had been working in Israel for over a decade, sending money back to his family in the West Bank. When his work permit was revoked, he was left with no choice but to return home. However, he was determined to cross the border one last time to collect his unpaid wages.
Mohammed’s story is a tragic one. He arrived at the border checkpoint, hoping to cross and return home to his family. But instead, he was met with violence and brutality. Israeli soldiers shot him, leaving him wounded and bleeding on the ground. They then denied him medical treatment and left him to die.
This horrific incident is just one example of the violent crackdown that has been unleashed on Palestinian workers since their work permits were revoked. Many have been shot, beaten, and arrested, their only “crime” being their desire to earn a living.
The actions of the Israeli government have not only caused harm and suffering to these workers, but they have also disrupted the lives of their families and the Palestinian economy. The loss of income has left many families struggling to survive, and the Palestinian Authority has estimated that the revocation of these work permits will result in a loss of over $100 million in the economy.
This crackdown on Palestinian laborers is also a violation of their basic human rights. The right to work is a fundamental human right, and by denying these workers the opportunity to earn a living, Israel is denying them their dignity and basic needs. It is also a violation of international law, which prohibits discrimination based on nationality in the workplace.
The international community has condemned Israel’s actions and called for an immediate end to the violence against Palestinian workers. The United Nations has urged Israel to respect the rights of these workers and to ensure their safety and well-being. Human rights organizations have also called for an investigation into the shooting of Mohammed and other workers, and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Despite the hardships and challenges they face, Palestinian workers remain resilient and determined. They continue to cross into Israel, risking their lives to provide for their families. Their determination and perseverance are a testament to their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the revocation of Palestinian work permits and the violent crackdown on these workers is a grave injustice that cannot be ignored. It is a blatant violation of human rights and international law, and it must be condemned by the international community. The lives and livelihoods of Palestinian workers must be protected, and their right to work must be respected. It is time for Israel to put an end to this cruel and unjust treatment and to allow these workers to earn a living with dignity and without fear.
