Israel Allows 82,000 Palestinians to Return to Construction Work

(Bloomberg) --

Israel plans to let nearly 82,000 Palestinian workers return to Israeli construction sites, which would provide a boost to both economies struggling with the coronavirus outbreak.

Israel began restricting the entry of Palestinian laborers in March as part of its broader effort to contain the virus, and shortly after, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh asked workers to return home to prevent cross-border infection. Israel’s limitations will be eased as of May 31, according to a statement from the Ministry of Construction and Housing.

About 13,000 Palestinians are currently at work in Israel, staying in temporary housing and in order to minimize contact with other Israelis. Around 100,000 Palestinians were working in Israel and in Jewish settlements before the pandemic, and they accounted for a significant portion of the West Bank economy and the Israeli construction sector.

Close to 90% of the 381 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Palestinian territories have recovered. Two people have died.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.