The Unreachable Ones How the Israel-Hamas War Wreaked Havoc on Gaza’s Tech Economy, Leaving it Gasping for Breath

Abandoned by Both Sides How the Israel-Hamas Conflict Crushed Gaza's Struggling Tech Industry

The Destruction of Gaza’s Tech Ecosystem: A Struggle in the Crossfire

In the heart of the Gaza Strip, just a short walk from Al-Aqsa University, lies Gaza Sky Geeks—a colorful coworking space that once hosted the dreams of Palestinian tech workers. Backed by tech giants Google and Microsoft, this hub was established to foster innovation and nurture startups in the region. It even boasted a coding academy for budding tech talent. Yet, after the recent wave of attacks between Israel and Hamas, this vibrant space has been reduced to rubble—a mere shell of its former self.

The unfortunate reality is that the Palestinian tech industry, like the region’s broader economy, pales in comparison to that of its more powerful neighbor. Israel’s tech sector, known for its prowess in defense, AI, and spyware (controversially), accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. With Israeli startups raking in a record-breaking $25 billion in 2021, the gap between the two tech ecosystems is glaringly apparent.

While Israel’s tech industry plays a central role in its military response to Hamas attacks, Palestinian tech workers face significant challenges. Not only do they grapple with limited resources, such as internet connectivity and financial support, but they also rely heavily on outsourced work. The recent conflict has only exacerbated these difficulties, with the already substandard communications network further destabilized and technological imports disrupted.

With internet services in Gaza already faltering, Israel’s airstrikes have dealt a crippling blow to connectivity. The region’s remote workers, freelancers, tech professionals, and students find themselves unable to carry out their responsibilities. As Palestinian digital-rights researcher Mona Shtaya puts it, the first casualties of the conflict were the communication infrastructure and electricity. The situation is dire, particularly considering that Palestinians in the West Bank rely on 3G while those in Gaza still rely on outdated 2G networks. Israel’s control over the telecommunications infrastructure in occupied areas only exacerbates the problem.

But let’s be clear—life wasn’t a walk in the park for Palestinian tech workers prior to the recent attacks. The challenges of importing hardware and equipment were already stifling their growth. Israel’s tight control over the borders of Gaza and the West Bank, coupled with harassment at checkpoints, impeded the movement of goods necessary for these businesses. The perceived risks associated with Palestinians only added to the difficulties they faced.

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Moreover, Palestinians encounter payment barriers when seeking opportunities abroad. PayPal, for example, doesn’t serve Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, leaving them unable to access the same payment infrastructure as others worldwide. This adds yet another obstacle to their work.

Despite these obstacles, Palestinians have tried to cooperate with Israeli businesses. They take on outsourced work from Israeli companies and collaborate with multinationals with a presence in Israel. Companies like Nvidia have even hired engineers from the West Bank, and Apple has established its footprint in the region. Palestinians operating in the US, Europe, and the Persian Gulf also have operations on the ground and frequently outsource work to their compatriots.

Working through war is not a foreign concept for Gazans. They are resilient and resourceful, finding creative solutions to problems that are deeply rooted within their DNA. While the path to rebuilding the city’s infrastructure may be arduous, Gazans are determined to rise from the ashes and create a future that surpasses their past achievements.

The road ahead may be long and challenging, but with their indomitable spirit, Palestinians will prevail. They refuse to let the conflict dampen their ambitions and are confident in their ability to rebuild. As technology continues to evolve, Gaza’s tech ecosystem will rise once more, stronger and more resilient than ever.

How have the recent clashes impacted the dreams of aspiring Palestinian tech workers? Have you ever faced adversity in pursuing your goals? Share your experiences in the comments below!👇

• Gaza
• Israel
• tech