Language learning centers in the Gaza Strip are reporting a four-fold increase in local Palestinians signing up to learn Hebrew. This comes after the Israeli government’s decision to help boost the Palestinian economy by offering 10,000 work permits to Gazans to work inside Israel-proper.

Teachers at these centers indicated in remarks to Reuters that local Palestinians are eager to secure relatively high-paying jobs in Israel, and know that Hebrew will be required to effectively navigate the job market.

The entire affair again highlights the question of whether or not a fully independent Palestinian state would be economically viable.

If average Palestinians are so dependent on work in Israel, despite viewing the Jewish state as their mortal enemy, then can a Palestinian state truly stand on its own? And if it can’t, will it really be independent?