Gazas workers struggle to find stable income on May Day

Gaza’s Economic Crisis Leaves Labourers in Perilous Jobs

A 24-year-old labourer, Ibrahim Abu al-Eish, begins his day early, clearing debris from destroyed buildings in Gaza City. He works for a local contracting company, which has taken on rubble removal and construction projects since the ceasefire in October.

Ibrahim’s job is physically demanding and poses safety risks. Despite this, he earns a daily wage of 80 shekels ($27), which he says barely covers his family’s basic needs. Ibrahim supports a family of nine, including his parents and siblings, who reside in a displacement camp in Jabalia.

The Gaza Ministry of Labour reports that unemployment has surged to 80 percent, with over 250,000 workers losing their jobs during the war. Poverty rates have risen to exceed 93 percent, and more than 75 percent of the population face acute food insecurity.

Restrictions on humanitarian organisations’ work have exacerbated the crisis, particularly for those reliant on aid. The ministry warns that a lack of jobs will deepen economic stagnation unless Israel’s blockade of Gaza is lifted and productive sectors resume operations.

Another labourer, Yousef al-Rifi, 32, works at a temporary bakery in central Gaza City. Before the war, he owned a small bakery with his family, but it was destroyed during the conflict. Yousef has been working without a steady income for two years before taking on this job.

The International Workers’ Day, marked on May 1, highlights the challenges faced by labourers in Gaza. The ongoing war has created an unstable work environment, with many workers forced to take low-paying jobs despite the risks involved.

Source: Al Jazeera