Workers in Gaza fear they will no longer have jobs in Israel and the occupied West Bank once the crossing opens again

Palestinian workers from Gaza say they fear for their livelihoods amid the Israeli closure of the Erez crossing in Gaza.

The closure, now in its sixth day and expected to last for an additional six days, has left workers employed in the occupied West Bank and Israel at risk of being laid off over their absences. 

Israeli forces closed crossing points with Gaza earlier this week, leaving thousands of Palestinians unable to go to work, as they carry out a “security assessment".

The decision to close the border came after Palestinian protests demanding the "right of return", the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

However, workers who spoke to Middle East Eye said that the decision constitutes a form of “collective punishment,” and will have a significant impact on Gaza’s economy, as well as their own livelihoods.