Israel’s tourism and hotel businesses collapse, leaving thousands unemployed
Last Updated on November 18, 2024 5:04 am
More than 90 hotels in the Israeli-occupied territory have closed since the start of the Gaza war. As a result, thousands of workers have lost their jobs, according to the country’s media Channel-12.
Israeli media reported on Saturday (November 16) that the prolonged conflict has caused a severe economic downturn in the tourism and hotel business.
Channel 12’s report has revealed alarming information. It said one in five hotels in the occupied territories had closed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.
Israeli hotel closure rate exceeds 20 percent due to Gaza war. Apart from this, various sectors of the country’s economy have been further affected due to the cancellation of flights by foreign airlines.
Channel 12 reported that thousands of families dependent on the tourism sector are now looking for new employment. A reporter for the television network said that the tourism sector has seen a shortfall of more than 85 percent.
Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to restore economic activity in the north by attacking Lebanon. But 80 percent of small businesses there are at risk of closing.
In this regard, Channel 12 reported that after the start of the war, the unemployment rate in the northern part of Israel increased by 20 percent compared to other regions.
Meanwhile, according to the Jerusalem Post, Israel’s tourism sector has lost about 19.5 billion shekels (US$5.25 billion) since the military invasion of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli administration claims that the cost of the war on Gaza and Lebanon has so far exceeded 60 to 70 billion US dollars.
However, Israeli economist Jacob Sheinin said the total cost of the war could reach 120 billion US dollars. Which is equal to 20 percent of the administration’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Source: IRNA