Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Ibrahim Abu al-Eish, 24, spends his days clearing rubble from destroyed buildings, working for a local contractor since a ceasefire began in October. He starts early morning and works until evening, preparing the way for bulldozers.

Ibrahim is grateful for the job amid Gaza’s economic crisis, but the accounting graduate describes the work as extremely exhausting and unsafe. “I never imagined I would work in such a profession,” he told Al Jazeera. He has been injured several times, and a colleague was seriously hurt when part of a roof collapsed on him.

Despite the dangers, Ibrahim endures because he supports a family of nine, including his parents and siblings, living in a displacement camp in Jabalia. He earns no more than 80 shekels ($27) a day, which he says is insufficient to meet basic needs amid soaring prices.

This year’s International Workers’ Day comes as Gaza faces one of its darkest periods. The Gaza Ministry of Labour reported unemployment has surged to 80%, with over 250,000 workers losing their jobs. Poverty rates exceed 93%, and over 75% face acute food insecurity.

Restrictions on humanitarian organizations have worsened the crisis, with over 95% of the population reliant on aid. The ministry warned that without lifting the blockade and opening crossings, economic recovery is impossible.

Yousef al-Rifi, 32, works at a temporary roadside bakery in central Gaza City. Before the war, he owned a bakery with his father and brothers, but it was destroyed along with their home. He now works from 6 a.m. to late evening for 50 shekels ($17) a day, sometimes less.

Yousef says the war has killed any hope for the future. He sold his and his wife’s phones to buy food. “What I earn barely covers my children’s meals,” he said. Workers like Yousef have little hope of improvement but are forced to take any job due to the lack of alternatives. “A worker must strive to earn a living. This is our reality – harsh, unforgiving, and soaked in blood,” he added.

Source: www.aljazeera.com