Palestinian Ministries call for diplomatic action to protect workers' rights

The Palestinian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Labor held a joint briefing for ambassadors and diplomatic heads to intensify international efforts to protect Palestinian workers and expand employment and training opportunities.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Farsin Shaheen emphasized the role of diplomatic missions in documenting Israeli violations and keeping the issue on the international political agenda. Minister of Labor Enas Al-Attari reported a worsening labor crisis due to Israeli policies and movement restrictions.

According to Al-Attari, the unemployment rate reached approximately 49% across Palestine during the second quarter of 2026, with 28% in the West Bank and over 80% in the Gaza Strip. Since October 2023, more than 140,000 workers have been prevented from reaching workplaces within the Green Line, while 300,000 workers in the West Bank have been directly or indirectly affected by closures and checkpoints. Monthly wage losses are estimated at 902 million shekels.