Briefing: The West Bank, up against the wall: Illegal Palestinian workers face exploitation and danger

Prior to the October 7 attacks, approximately 120,000 Palestinian workers were legally permitted to enter Israel for employment. This established a structured pathway for labor mobility.

In the aftermath of the attacks, many of these workers have been compelled to seek illegal means of employment, which presents heightened risks and vulnerabilities.

The transition to illegal work not only exacerbates the potential for exploitation but also complicates the operational landscape for labor management and regulatory oversight in the region.