Palestinian Laborers Resume Work in Gaza Following Displacement from Israel

Workers from Gaza are returning to the Palestinian territory after being expelled by Israel. Gaza is currently experiencing consistent bombings and shortages of essential supplies. The UN has expressed concern for the safety of these workers in this difficult and dangerous situation. Prior to this, over 18,000 Palestinian workers were permitted to cross into Israel and the occupied West Bank. Israeli intelligence suspects that Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, may have obtained information about the locations targeted on October 7th from Gazans working in Israeli kibbutzes. Israeli media reports suggest that details about individual homes and Israeli defenses may have been passed on. The recent assault by Hamas led to over 1,400 deaths and the abduction of 242 people, who are still being held captive in Gaza. In response to the attack, Israel initiated an aerial and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. The health ministry in Gaza claims that over 9,000 people have been killed during these operations. As part of the escalated blockade by Israel, the crossings to Gaza were closed, leaving Palestinian laborers stranded in Israel for an extended period. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the expulsion of these workers, emphasizing his intention to sever all ties with Gaza. It is unclear how many workers were in Israel when the Hamas attacks began. These workers have held jobs in sectors like agriculture and construction, earning significantly higher salaries compared to what they could earn in Gaza. Pictures show crowds of men using the Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel into Gaza, which is typically used for goods only. Some workers said they were detained and subjected to mistreatment by Israeli authorities following the Hamas attacks. The UN's human rights office has expressed deep concern about the detention of at least 4,000 Palestinian workers and hospital patients without proper legal basis when their work permits were revoked by Israel. The BBC has reached out to Israeli authorities for comment on these allegations. A UN spokesperson has also voiced worry about Palestinians being sent back to Gaza, particularly considering the severity of the situation. It remains uncertain whether some of these individuals even have a home to return to.