Gazans caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

Gaza caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

As Israel promises to continue loosening restrictions on Gaza in an effort to maintain calm, its population remains wary of making concessions to what they see as an occupying power

Gazans caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

Thousands of Gazans enjoy well-paying jobs in Israel after navigating through an opaque and difficult-to-understand application process, but much uncertainty remains as workers are constantly aware that benefits can be withdrawn at any time due to cross-border tensions

Gazans caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

Work permits were introduced as part of Israel's twin strategy of enforcing military control while offering some economic benefits to reduce tensions following an 11-day war last year with Hamas, which controls Gaza

Gazans caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

Even for those who navigate the process successfully, much uncertainty remains and while the benefits are welcome, workers are constantly aware that they can be withdrawn at any time.

Gazans caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

GAZA: Days after the end of a brief bout of fighting last month, Gazan workers were already returning to work across the border under a permit scheme launched as part of Israel’s strategy of using economic inducements to help stabilize the volatile enclave. For those lucky enough to obtain a permit, a job in Israel can bring in 10 times what they could earn at home, a powerful incentive in an impoverished area where 2.3 million people live squee…

Gazans caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

Days after the end of a brief bout of fighting last month, Gazan workers were already returning to work across the border under a permit scheme launched as part of Israel's strategy of using economic inducements to help stabilise the volatile enclave.