The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a funding appeal in Geneva to provide immediate relief and support longer-term job and business recovery, as well as social protection, for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) following the recent conflict. The ILO estimates that 61% of the labour market in Gaza has been wiped out, equivalent to 182,000 jobs, while nearly 24% of employment has been lost in the West Bank, equivalent to 208,000 jobs. The conflict has resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, the closure of businesses, and large-scale internal displacement, crippling economic activity. Furthermore, access measures enforced by Israel have prevented workers and traders from entering Israel and East Jerusalem, and trade restrictions have hindered the transit of vital goods. The ILO response programme aims to provide immediate relief, conduct impact analysis, and implement recovery measures.
Economic activity crippled
İçerik Tablosu
The ILO has published a bulletin that examines the impact of the conflict on the labour market and livelihoods in the OPT. The agency estimates that $16 million in daily labour income has been lost due to the conflict. Mr. Houngbo, the ILO Director-General, highlighted the destruction in Gaza, including the severe damage to infrastructure and the closure of businesses.
Workers stranded, trade restricted
As a result of the conflict, nearly 6,000 residents working in Israel are currently stranded in the West Bank, and UN health and aid workers are facing extreme danger. Access measures enforced by Israel have revoked access rights, preventing workers and traders with valid permits from entering Israel and East Jerusalem. Trade restrictions have also been applied, further jeopardizing the basic needs of families and the overall economy.
Situation set to worsen
Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since 2006, exacerbating the dire conditions. The enclave already had high rates of poverty and vulnerability, with an unemployment rate of 46.4%. The ILO warns that the already significant losses identified will continue to increase if the conflict and humanitarian crisis persist.
Assistance, analysis and recovery
The ILO response programme consists of three phases. The first phase focuses on immediate relief and is already underway, providing emergency livelihood support schemes to Palestinian workers. The ILO has allocated resources for this phase. The second phase involves data collection and impact analysis to inform interventions. The third phase focuses on recovery, including job creation, social protection measures, and the recovery of jobs and businesses.