Gazans caught between hope and mistrust as Israel offers work

Hope and fear for Gazans as Israel offers work

For Gazans, permits to work in Israel are the opportunity to earn ten times as much and bring much needed cash into the impoverished coastal strip. But they're aware that Israel can take them away at any time. Lucy Fielder has more.

Hope and fear for Gazans as Israel offers work

For Gazans, permits to work in Israel are the opportunity to earn ten times as much and bring much needed cash into the impoverished coastal strip. But they're aware that Israel can take them away at any time. Lucy Fielder has more.

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application process, but much uncertainty remains as workers are constantly aware that benefits can be withdrawn at any time due to cross-border tensions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much uncertainty remains and while the benefits are welcome, workers are constantly aware that they can be withdrawn at any time.