The International Labor Organization (ILO) has warned of a deepening labor market crisis in the West Bank, driven by the repercussions of Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, now in its second year. The escalation has triggered a sharp economic downturn and an unprecedented rise in unemployment rates.
In its report released Monday, the ILO highlighted that mounting Israeli restrictions, escalating settler violence, and the destruction of infrastructure in refugee camps have severely undermined livelihoods. These factors contributed to a 29% decline in the gross domestic product (GDP) across the Palestinian territories between 2023 and 2025, including a 17.1% drop in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Unemployment in the first quarter of this year stood at 31.7% among men and 33.7% among women, with projections indicating a rise to 38.5% by the end of the year. This surge is expected to affect more than 363,000 individuals across the West Bank.
Ruba Jaradat, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Arab States, called for urgent and coordinated measures in the context of a ceasefire to preserve jobs, support incomes, and strengthen social protection across the occupied Palestinian territories.
