Gaza Workers Struggle for Survival as Economic Collapse Deepens on International Workers Day

In Gaza Strip, workers are facing extreme hardship as ongoing conflict and economic collapse leave few opportunities for stable employment, forcing many into unsafe and poorly paid labour.

On International Workers Day, the scale of the crisis is stark. Unemployment has surged dramatically, with officials reporting that a vast majority of the workforce has lost its livelihood during the prolonged conflict.

In Gaza City, 24 year old Ibrahim Abu al Eish spends long hours clearing rubble from destroyed buildings. Working from early morning until evening, he prepares damaged sites for reconstruction crews despite the physical risks involved.

“It’s very exhausting work. I never imagined in my life that I would work in such a profession,” he said.

He described repeated injuries on the job, adding, “I’ve been injured several times, and once a colleague had part of a house roof collapse on him and was seriously hurt.”

Despite the dangers, Ibrahim continues working to support his family of nine, who are living in difficult conditions in a displacement camp in Jabalia. His daily earnings remain minimal.

“What I earn does not exceed 80 shekels ($27) a day… but compared to the level of fatigue and exhaustion I face, it’s a small amount and doesn’t even cover the basic needs of my family amid these harsh conditions and soaring prices,” he said.

Across Gaza, thousands of workers have been forced to abandon their previous professions and take on whatever work is available, regardless of risk. Many labourers report a complete absence of safety measures at job sites.

“There is no safety at all in the work environment, but nothing comes easy these days,” Ibrahim added.

According to data from Gaza’s labour authorities, unemployment has reached approximately 80 percent, with more than 250,000 people losing their jobs. Poverty levels have risen sharply, and the majority of the population now depends on humanitarian aid for survival.

Another worker, Yousef al Rifi, now earns a living at a roadside bakery after losing both his family home and business during the conflict. Before the war, he operated a small bakery with his relatives, but the business was destroyed.

“I work here at this bakery with a small number of workers… I have previous experience in baking, but nothing resembles my work before the war,” he said.

Working long hours under difficult conditions, he earns about 50 shekels a day, sometimes less, with income often disrupted by shortages of essential supplies.

“I’ve been working here from six in the morning until late evening for 50 shekels ($17) a day, sometimes less, under the heat of the sun in makeshift tents,” he said. “Work is inconsistent… there are days when the bakery doesn’t operate due to fluctuations in flour and bread prices and their unavailability.”

The financial strain has forced him to make difficult choices to support his family.

“I sold my mobile phone and my wife’s phone to secure food and drink… what I earn barely covers my children’s meals,” he added.

Workers across Gaza say they have little expectation of improvement in the near future, as the conflict continues to limit economic activity and restrict recovery efforts.

“A worker must strive to earn a living,” Yousef said. “This is our reality… a livelihood that is harsh, unforgiving, and soaked in blood.”