Humanitarian situation in Gaza – ILO statement

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International Labour Office statement on humanitarian situation in Gaza

The International Labour Office is deeply concerned by the rising humanitarian impact of the escalating conflict situation in Gaza. In line with its mandate in the world of work, the ILO focuses on the plight of workers and their families, who have lived through the hardships of long months of closures and are now exposed to the devastation of a war situation. Even before the turmoil of recent days, Gaza had the highest unemployment rate in the world.

The International Labour Office is deeply concerned by the rising humanitarian impact of the escalating conflict situation in Gaza. In line with its mandate in the world of work, the ILO focuses on the plight of workers and their families, who have lived through the hardships of long months of closures and are now exposed to the devastation of a war situation. Even before the turmoil of recent days, Gaza had the highest unemployment rate in the world.

The ILO recalls the statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for an immediate end to all military action and acts of violence urging all parties in the region and all relevant international actors to explore all options to bring a halt to the hostilities immediately and to permit access to needed emergency humanitarian supplies and assistance. Of special urgency are essential food, water and medical supplies, fuel for electricity generation and cash for the payment of civil servants. These have to be promptly followed by emergency social protection and employment measures.

The ILO is working in close coordination with the United Nations country team for the occupied Palestinian territory to participate within its mandates in immediate assistance and reconstruction efforts.