The Minister of Labor Affirms the Importance of Supporting Palestinian Workers and Strengthening Their Resilience

SadaNews - The Minister of Labor, Einas Al-Attari, confirmed in her speech during the 104th session of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization the necessity of enhancing joint Arab efforts to support Palestinian workers in light of the exceptional circumstances facing the labor market in Palestine, in the presence of the First Advisor at the Permanent Mission of the State of Palestine to the Arab League, Razaq Al-Zanain.

The minister reviewed the difficult humanitarian and economic reality, noting that the year 2025 witnessed an unprecedented escalation in Israeli policies, with a total of 81,887 violations reported, and more than 200,000 Palestinian workers were deprived of work within the 1948 territories, leading to estimated losses of about 18 billion shekels annually, and a contraction of the GDP by 24%, with unemployment rates rising to 46% in Palestine, reaching about 78% in the Gaza Strip.

She explained that these policies have affected all vital sectors, from production and construction to agriculture, as well as the widespread destruction of homes and economic establishments, which increases the fragility of the Palestinian economy, in addition to the colonial expansion and attacks on holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque, alongside targeting medical staff, journalists, and educational institutions.

Al-Attari emphasized that what is happening represents a systematic targeting of the labor market and the Palestinian economy, calling for urgent Arab and international action through the launch of initiatives to support the employment of Palestinian workers, enhance social protection networks, and expand training and employment programs.

The minister affirmed that the resilience of Palestinian workers is a shared Arab responsibility, urging the translation of supportive positions into practical steps that protect the right to decent work and strengthen economic resilience, in order to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom and independence.

The council's agenda included follow-up on the implementation of previous decisions, discussing the plan for the years 2027-2028 and its budget, and reports from the relevant committees, while emphasizing the importance of the "Arab Vision 2045" in supporting development and providing decent employment opportunities in Arab countries.