According to an Israeli think tank, more than 50% of the Arab population inside Israel is living below the poverty line.The Taub Center for Social Policy Studies states that the poverty rate among Arab-Israeli residents, holding both Palestinian and Israeli citizenship, has reached its highest level in 35 years, according to Al Ray.
The Center’s report noted both the surge in the poverty rate as well as the unacceptable socio-economic conditions Palestinians face inside the Israeli state, in which they suffer from improper medical care, education and employment opportunites.
The Center found that Arab workers must work longer hours than workers in other countries, with 20% of them unable to purchase food, and 33% finding it difficult to heat and cool their homes.
About one-sixth could not buy their medicine or pay for medical treatment, while 21% could not pay for dental care, the report went on to say. The health sector has witnessed a decline in the number of qualified doctors and nurses on staff.
In regard to education, the report pointed out that the Arab students’ achievement had improved, but still not enough in comparison to other developed countries of the world.
The Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel is an independent, non-partisan, socioeconomic research institute based in occupied Jerusalem.
