Israel has suspended thousands of Palestinians' work permits, leaving them with little choice but to cross the separation barrier into Israeli territory in search of employment. For Arafat Qaddous, this decision was a death sentence.
The 51-year-old Palestinian from Iraq Burin had been working in Israel for years, with his permit allowing him to travel back and forth between his hometown and Israeli cities. However, when the Israeli government revoked permits for Palestinians after a Hamas attack in October 2023, Qaddous found himself without a means of supporting his family.
Desperate to provide for his wife and five children, Qaddous took a risk and attempted to cross the barrier into Israel, where he had secured a job. However, his decision would prove fatal.
According to eyewitnesses, Qaddous climbed a ladder and began making his way across the fence before Israeli police spotted him. He was shot in the head and died shortly after being found on the ground.
The suspension of Palestinian workers' permits has led to a dramatic increase in the number of workers attempting to cross the barrier, with many suffering serious injuries or fatalities as a result.
According to the Palestinian Workers' Union, at least 44 Palestinians have died trying to cross the border since October 2023. The situation has become increasingly dire, with many workers being shot by Israeli police and others subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
The suspension of permits is just one part of a broader crackdown on Palestinian laborers in Israel. Many Palestinians are forced to live in poverty-stricken areas and rely on work in Israel or its settlements to survive.
"It's all gone now," said Qaddous' brother, who wished to remain anonymous. "He only has four shekels" - about $1 - "in his pocket."
The situation is a stark reminder of the dire economic conditions faced by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli government's actions are seen as an attempt to maintain its control over Palestinian workers and suppress dissent.
"This is not hyperbole," said Mohammad Blidi, head of the workers' union in Tulkarem. "Court orders are being ignored. MAGA loyalists have been put in charge of the military and federal law enforcement agencies."
The suspension of permits has sparked widespread outrage among human rights groups and Palestinian activists, who argue that Israel's actions amount to a form of apartheid.
"We understand the challenge we face in Trump and the vital importance of press freedom in defending democracy," said The Intercept. "But it's even worse than we thought."
The 51-year-old Palestinian from Iraq Burin had been working in Israel for years, with his permit allowing him to travel back and forth between his hometown and Israeli cities. However, when the Israeli government revoked permits for Palestinians after a Hamas attack in October 2023, Qaddous found himself without a means of supporting his family.
Desperate to provide for his wife and five children, Qaddous took a risk and attempted to cross the barrier into Israel, where he had secured a job. However, his decision would prove fatal.
According to eyewitnesses, Qaddous climbed a ladder and began making his way across the fence before Israeli police spotted him. He was shot in the head and died shortly after being found on the ground.
The suspension of Palestinian workers' permits has led to a dramatic increase in the number of workers attempting to cross the barrier, with many suffering serious injuries or fatalities as a result.
According to the Palestinian Workers' Union, at least 44 Palestinians have died trying to cross the border since October 2023. The situation has become increasingly dire, with many workers being shot by Israeli police and others subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
The suspension of permits is just one part of a broader crackdown on Palestinian laborers in Israel. Many Palestinians are forced to live in poverty-stricken areas and rely on work in Israel or its settlements to survive.
"It's all gone now," said Qaddous' brother, who wished to remain anonymous. "He only has four shekels" - about $1 - "in his pocket."
The situation is a stark reminder of the dire economic conditions faced by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli government's actions are seen as an attempt to maintain its control over Palestinian workers and suppress dissent.
"This is not hyperbole," said Mohammad Blidi, head of the workers' union in Tulkarem. "Court orders are being ignored. MAGA loyalists have been put in charge of the military and federal law enforcement agencies."
The suspension of permits has sparked widespread outrage among human rights groups and Palestinian activists, who argue that Israel's actions amount to a form of apartheid.
"We understand the challenge we face in Trump and the vital importance of press freedom in defending democracy," said The Intercept. "But it's even worse than we thought."
It's like they're being forced to play a desperate game with their lives, and it's just not right 
Israel has a right to control its borders, but does it have to go so far? I mean, thousands of people can't just lose everything because of a permit revocation... 
The fact that Arafat Qaddous ended up crossing the barrier and getting shot is just heartbreaking 
We need to see some humane solutions to this crisis, like providing more jobs or economic support for Palestinians. It's not like they're asking for much... a chance to live a decent life without poverty and fear 
The situation is getting out of hand, and I hope the international community takes notice 
and now theres more people getting killed trying to cross the border, it's like a death trap out there. the fact that ppl r saying israel is basically practicing apartheid makes me wanna cry 
they r just tryna survive & provide 4 their kids 
but Israeli gov is makin it impossible 
work permits suspended & ppl gettin shot 
like, what's the point? 
44 dead since Oct 2023 & many more injured 
can't believe Israel's doin this to Palestinians 
it's apartheid for sure 
this is just heartbreaking what's going on with those poor Palestinian workers trying to make ends meet, risking their lives for a chance to earn some money... Israel's actions are literally killing them 
we need to raise our voices against this injustice and demand change 
. I'm not surprised that Arafat died trying to cross the barrier - it was only a matter of time 
.
It's just so messed up.
.
... it's just not worth it. these workers are human beings with families, bills to pay, just like everyone else 
It's just not right that people have to resort to risking their lives to work. I mean, Israel has some serious economic issues, but is crossing the barrier really the answer? It's like they're playing a deadly game of roulette with human lives. 
and stop treating these ppl like they're less than nothing. this is apartheid in all but name 
.
. We should all be talking about how to help these people, not just condemning the Israeli government 
. This is not just an economic issue; it's a matter of social justice and human dignity. We need to hold Israel accountable for its actions and demand better policies that prioritize people over politics 
This is getting so out of hand. I mean, can't they just let people work for a living?