Israeli authorities ruled this week that Palestinians experiencing LGBTQ+ discrimination now will be granted visas to work in Israel. The Committee for Foreign Workers discussed the need for LGBTQ+ Palestinians to be able to work in Israel this Monday. Previously, LGBTQ+ Palestinians with discrimination claims have been granted permits allowing them to live in Israel because of “welfare needs.” The decision seeks to create a path for LGBTQ+ Palestinians living in Israel to have financial independence.
The committee’s meeting included testimonies from LGBTQ+ Palestinians who spoke on the discrimination they have faced in Palestinian territories. Palestinian citizens are confined to living and working in the Gaza strip and the West Bank. Consensual “same-sex activity” between males is criminalized in Palestinian territories and those caught face up to 10 years in prison. Palestinian authorities have also banned queer organizations and have encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities.
In June 1967, Israel occupied the whole of historical Palestine and has since systematically confiscated land and displaced the Palestinian people. This has resulted in an apartheid state where Palestinians are confined to living and working within Gaza and the Westbank, where they don’t enjoy the same freedoms as the people of Israel.
The Palestinians who spoke in the hearing testified about the abuse and discrimination they faced in Palestinian territories because of their orientation or identity. Recounting stories of violence, threats and intimidation. While also sharing their experience living in Israel where they’ve been unable to open bank accounts, have health insurance or support themselves.