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On the occasion of International Workers' Day, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reviewed the state of the Palestinian labor market in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. This aggression has led to a near-total paralysis of economic life and the collapse of the labor market, especially in Gaza, with spillover effects on the West Bank.

Gaza Strip: Economic Collapse and Unprecedented Unemployment

According to labor force survey results for the fourth quarter of 2024 in Gaza:

• Unemployment rate rose to 68%, up from 45% in Q3 of 2023.
• Labor force participation rate dropped to 30%, from 40% before the aggression.
• Around 74% of youth (aged 15–29) are now outside the spheres of education, training, and employment.

PCBS confirmed that the ongoing war makes it difficult to apply traditional labor market measurement concepts, and that work is underway with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop alternative indicators suited to the current conditions.

West Bank: Sharp Decline in Employment and Increased Restrictions

Israeli-imposed restrictions have resulted in:

• The number of unemployed rising to 313,000 in 2024, compared to 183,000 in 2023.
• The unemployment rate reaching 31%, up from 18% in the previous year.
• The number of workers employed in Israel falling from 107,000 to 21,000, and in settlements from 16,000 to 15,000.
• Total employed persons in the West Bank declining from 815,000 in 2023 to 681,000 in 2024, making a 20% drop.