ILO Criticizes Israel's Labor Practices Towards Palestinians
The International Labour Organization criticized the worsening treatment of Palestinian workers since the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and urged for an end to restrictions blocking them from working in Israel. The ILO reported over half a million job losses and the exclusion of about 200,000 Palestinians from Israel, calling 2023 the hardest year for these workers since 1967. The ILO also recommended reopening the labor market and implementing job creation and social protection schemes to help with Gaza's recovery.
On Thursday, the International Labour Organization (ILO) criticized the severe curtailment of Palestinian workers’ rights since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, urging an end to restrictions that prevent Palestinians from working in Israel.
The ongoing scrutiny intensified after the October 7 conflict, with over half a million job losses and the exclusion of about 200,000 Palestinian workers from Israel cited as major concerns.
ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo described 2023 as the hardest year for Palestinian workers since 1967, highlighting the decimation of labor rights in a report presented at the meeting.
He, alongside other international diplomats and workers' groups, urged Israel to reopen its labor market to Palestinians.
The meeting saw a walkout by some delegates following Israel’s defense of its actions, citing security concerns related to Hamas.
The ILO report also made new prescriptive recommendations for the first time, including calls for job creation and social protection schemes to aid Gaza’s recovery.
The ongoing scrutiny intensified after the October 7 conflict, with over half a million job losses and the exclusion of about 200,000 Palestinian workers from Israel cited as major concerns.
ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo described 2023 as the hardest year for Palestinian workers since 1967, highlighting the decimation of labor rights in a report presented at the meeting.
He, alongside other international diplomats and workers' groups, urged Israel to reopen its labor market to Palestinians.
The meeting saw a walkout by some delegates following Israel’s defense of its actions, citing security concerns related to Hamas.
The ILO report also made new prescriptive recommendations for the first time, including calls for job creation and social protection schemes to aid Gaza’s recovery.
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