Published: 26 November 2019
Last updated: 4 March 2024
MEITAR CHECKPOINT, WEST BANK — It is well before dawn when the first work deprived Palestinians arrive to sneak through a two-meter hole cut in the metal fence that is supposed to keep them out of Israel.
The men are among the thousands of Palestinians working in Israel illegally, risking bad working conditions, exploitation and jail for a chance of employment.
On the morning AFP visited, Yunis, from Dahariya in the southern West Bank, was one of hundreds running the gauntlet as police patrolled the area.
They play a cat and mouse game with Israeli security — sometimes making several attempts before crossing without being spotted.
“I got here at 3am and found police patrols ahead of us,” said the bearded and wrinkled 55-year-old. “I know I am leaving my house and I may not come back but this bitter life drives us to adventure.”
FULL STORY Through the wire — Palestinians risk jail to work in Israel illegally (Times of Israel)
Photo: Palestinian labourers cross illegally into Israeli areas through a hole in Israel's security barrier on November 20 near the southern Israeli city of Beersheba (Hazem Bader/AFP)
