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West Bank Unemployment Soars: Families Face Dire Choices

2/10/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In Tulkarem, West Bank, Hanadi Abu Zant struggles to pay rent after losing her work permit.
Unemployment nears 30%, and Abu Zant, who once earned $1,400 monthly, now bakes pastries to survive.
Others risk crossing Israel's separation barrier for work.
Shuhrat Barghouthi's husband was imprisoned for attempting this, leaving the family $14,000 in debt.
Experts warn that without economic integration, the situation could worsen into chaos.

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Story summary

In Tulkarem, West Bank, Hanadi Abu Zant struggles to pay rent after losing her work permit.
Unemployment nears 30%, and Abu Zant, who once earned $1,400 monthly, now bakes pastries to survive.
Others risk crossing Israel's separation barrier for work.
Shuhrat Barghouthi's husband was imprisoned for attempting this, leaving the family $14,000 in debt.
Experts warn that without economic integration, the situation could worsen into chaos.