MAAN’s 2024 report on the plight of Palestinian workers during this time of war and the steps MAAN took to assist them.
Extreme nationalist agendas on both sides exerted tremendous pressure to prevent any calls for the return of Palestinian workers to their workplaces in Israel. Identity and religious divides were prioritized over reason and responsibility. Throughout this past traumatic year, MAAN Workers Association played a central role in advocating for the resumption of work for Palestinian workers in Israel.
The Impact of Lockdowns and Work Restrictions
2024 was a year of lockdowns and work restrictions for Palestinian workers. This policy, imposed immediately after Hamas’s brutal attack on Israeli civilians in October 2023, remained intact throughout 2024, with no clear indication of when it might change.
While approximately 20,000 Palestinian workers continue to work legally (12,000 in the settlements of the West Bank and another 8,000 in essential workplaces inside Israel), over 150,000 workers—mainly in construction, agriculture, and service industries—are barred from entering and have been left without any source of income. These workers, once the lifeline of the Palestinian economy, have been pushed to the brink of extreme poverty.
The economic impact has been severe. Estimates suggest that approximately 306,000 jobs were lost in the West Bank, leading to a decline of over 20% in economic activity.
After months of waiting, from April 2024 onwards, thousands of workers began infiltrating Israel through breaches in the fence, using short-term permits, or being smuggled in disguised vehicles. Currently, between 40,000 and 50,000 workers are in Israel without permits. Despite aggressive police and military crackdowns, for every worker arrested or deported, two more enter each day. MAAN has documented cases of workers being shot, killed, or injured while attempting to cross the fence. See also this AP Report that was based on MAAN’s contacts.
Despite the severity of this crisis, Palestinian workers remain without representation. In September, workers attempted to organize a protest in Ramallah, but the Palestinian Authority (PA) neutralized their efforts by calling a meeting “to listen to their grievances,” effectively silencing their voices. Unfortunately the PA has not raised this issue in its interactions with Israel or international actors. Under pressure by Hamas’s extreme stance that frames working in Israel as an act of “normalization,” the PA had refrained from advocating for the return of workers.
MAAN’s Efforts to Secure the Return of Palestinian Workers
MAAN has been working tirelessly to keep this issue on the public agenda and in the consciousness of decision-makers.
- Advocacy in the Knesset: MAAN’s executive director, Assaf Adiv, participated in meetings of the Knesset Committee on Foreign Workers, advocating for the reinstatement of Palestinian workers.
- Policy Papers: In May 2024, following a government decision to recklessly employ unqualified foreign workers, Adiv sent a position paper to the committee. The paper was distributed to MKs, Ministries and other participants.
- Government Engagement: In June, MAAN’s representative, Erez Wagner, attended a meeting with the joint committee of Directors of Government Ministries, headed by the Prime Minister’s Office manager, Yossi Sheli, reiterating the demand for the return of Palestinian workers.
- Legal Action: In July 2024, MAAN, alongside Kav LaOved (Workers Hotline), ACRI (Association for Civil Rights in Israel), and the Legal Clinics at Tel Aviv University, filed a petition to the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) against the uncontrolled importation of foreign workers. The SCJ deliberated the petition on December 24, 2024. Due to this pressure, among other factors, the process of replacing Palestinian workers with migrant labor has stalled.
- Failed Government Strategy: Despite efforts to bring in 150,000 migrant workers, only 25,000 arrived, many of whom lacked the necessary professional skills. Many Israeli employers acknowledged that Palestinian workers are more qualified and call to end the closure.
Notably, even the Governor of the Bank of Israel stated in October 2024: “A year has passed since the beginning of the war, and the process of hiring additional foreign workers in the construction industry is progressing slowly. This issue has macroeconomic importance beyond construction. Therefore, subject to security-related guidelines, steps should be taken to enable Palestinian workers to return.”
MAAN’s On-the-Ground Support for Palestinian Workers
- Legal Assistance and Consultations
- 213 legal and paralegal cases were handled in 2024 (163 men, 25 women).
- 1,564,135 NIS was recovered for workers.
- In August 2024, MAAN filed a complaint against a lawyer exploiting workers for permits. This case, with significant implications, remains ongoing.
- Organizing Palestinian Workers
MAAN prioritizes grassroots organizing, helping workers gain collective power.
- Four collective agreements (CA) were maintained in Mishor Edumim and Atarot Industrial Zones, despite the war. See this report on MAAM’s organizing effort in Mishor Edumim
- Support for workers in these companies included payroll errors, workplace injuries, sick leave, and wrongful terminations.
- MAAN remains the only trade union in Israel actively organizing Palestinian workers in these zones.
- Engaging Workers via Digital Platforms
- MAAN reaches tens of thousands of workers through Facebook posts, TikTok discussions, WhatsApp groups, and media appearances.
- A dedicated WhatsApp group of activists was formed in January 2024 to promote the reinstatement of Palestinian workers. A workers’ petition was circulated, though responses were limited due to various challenges.
- MAAN’s media presence includes:
- 45 mentions in mainstream media
- 66 articles on its website
- 103 Facebook posts
- 5 WhatsApp groups dedicated to worker committees
- Public Advocacy and Networking
- MAAN spearheaded policy initiatives to solve issues arising from the Gaza war, advocating for workers’ return to Israel.
- The organization held numerous meetings with international representatives, foreign embassies, and the media.
- MAAN partnered with civil society organizations to file petitions and engage Israeli authorities.
- Efforts with insurance companies led to Palestinian workers’ pensions being deposited directly into their bank accounts.
Looking Ahead
Despite government resistance, MAAN remains committed to fighting for Palestinian workers’ return to Israel. This solution is essential not only for the workers, who lack alternatives, but also for Israeli employers facing a severe labor shortage.
With its strengthened public position and extensive collaborations, MAAN will continue its efforts to end the prolonged closure and promote a balanced approach to the current conflict. Maintaining open communication with all stakeholders, MAAN envisions a future where Israelis and Palestinians coexist with respect and dignity.
MAAN, through its vision and day-to-day efforts, stands as a symbol of that future.
