Before October 7, Palestinian laborers were able to cross into Israel to find employment, providing a vital source of income for themselves and their families. This was a lifeline for many Palestinians, who faced limited economic opportunities in their own territories. However, all of this changed when Israel suddenly revoked the work permits of these laborers, leaving them without a means to make ends meet. This decision not only caused financial hardship, but it also unleashed a violent crackdown on these vulnerable workers.
One such worker, Ibrahim, faced the harsh reality of Israel’s decision when he tried to cross the wall that separates Israel from the occupied territories. He had been working in Israel for years, and like many others, depended on this job to support his family. However, when he attempted to cross the wall, he was shot by Israeli soldiers and left to die. This brutal incident is just one example of the devastating consequences of Israel’s actions.
The sudden revocation of work permits has left thousands of Palestinians without a source of income. This has only added to the already dire economic situation in the occupied territories, where unemployment rates are high and poverty is rampant. Many Palestinians have been forced to turn to alternative, often dangerous, means of earning a living, such as working in illegal settlements or risking their lives crossing into Israel without a permit.
But it is not just the economic impact that has caused outrage and condemnation. The violent crackdown by Israeli forces on these workers has also sparked widespread condemnation. The use of deadly force against unarmed and vulnerable people is a gross violation of human rights and goes against all principles of morality and justice. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been numerous reports of excessive use of force by Israeli soldiers against Palestinian workers.
The story of Ibrahim is just one among many. The reality is that thousands of Palestinian workers are facing the same fate as their work permits have been revoked. These workers are not just numbers, they are real people with families, dreams, and aspirations. As they are left without a means to provide for their loved ones, they are also living in constant fear of being targeted by Israeli forces.
But why did Israel suddenly decide to revoke these work permits? The official reason given is that it is a security measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, this reasoning is highly questionable. If Israel truly cared about the health and safety of its citizens, it would have taken proactive measures to protect both Israelis and Palestinians from the virus. Instead, it has used the pandemic as an excuse to further restrict Palestinians and deny them their basic rights.
It is no secret that the Israeli government has a long history of discriminatory policies and actions towards Palestinians. The revocation of work permits is just another form of collective punishment being inflicted on innocent civilians. It is a clear violation of international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from making any changes that would harm the occupied population.
The impact of this decision goes beyond just the workers and their families. It also has a ripple effect on the entire Palestinian economy. With thousands of breadwinners out of work, local businesses and communities suffer. This has only added to the already dire situation in the occupied territories, where Palestinians are subjected to economic hardship, restrictions on movement, and lack of access to basic services.
The international community has a responsibility to speak out against these unjust actions by Israel. It cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of Palestinian workers and their families. The world must hold Israel accountable for its violations of human rights and demand that it lifts the ban on work permits immediately.
In the midst of this bleak situation, there is still hope. The resilience and determination of the Palestinian people are unmatched. Despite facing constant challenges, they continue to work towards a better future for themselves and their children. And while the revocation of work permits has dealt a heavy blow, it has also brought to light the ongoing plight of Palestinians living under occupation.
Ibrahim’s story and the stories of countless other Palestinian workers should serve as a wake-up call to the international community. It is time to take real action and put an end to Israel’s oppressive policies towards Palestinians. It is time to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and demand an end to the occupation and the denial of their basic rights.
In the face of adversity, Palestinians continue to persevere and hold onto their hopes and dreams. It is time for the world to stand with them and support their struggle for justice and freedom. The time for change
