Gaza's entrepreneurs count the cost of war but vow the land will rise again - Salam and hope
As-salamu alaykum. After two years of conflict, Gaza’s once-busy economy lies in ruins. Streets that used to buzz with factory sounds and market chatter are mostly quiet now. Still, among the rubble Palestinian business owners are already looking ahead with determination.
With the recent ceasefire easing the fighting, many families have been able to return home. Although large parts of Gaza are devastated, factory owners and small traders insist reconstruction is possible if the international community allows the necessary help.
“The spirit of Gaza is unbreakable,” said Aed Abu Ramadan, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gaza city. “Our factories can be rebuilt. Our people can work again. But we cannot do it alone.”
Gaza’s economic collapse is severe - infrastructure destroyed, whole sectors paralysed, factories levelled and tens of thousands without work. Mr Abu Ramadan said more than 85% of the workforce is unemployed and poverty affects over 90% of households. Most families cannot cover basic needs.
“The war caused the collapse of Gaza’s entire economic system,” he said. “Prices spiked massively. Imports and exports stopped, supply chains broke, and the cost of essentials reached unheard-of levels.”
Gaza’s government estimates losses across the territory exceed $13 billion, including heavy hits to industry, trade and services, agriculture and tourism. The industrial sector suffered early and hard - many factories were hit and production stopped, creating shortages in the markets.
More than 92% of farmland and over 1,200 agricultural wells were destroyed, devastating the local food supply. Hundreds of livestock farms were also demolished, worsening hunger and malnutrition among the people.
For many entrepreneurs the damage is deeply personal. “I live now in a tent with my four children,” said Ihab Abu Taimeh, 54, from Khan Younis. Just before the war he owned a large vehicle and heavy machinery workshop and a metalworking factory that he inherited from his father. The business employed more than 20 people. “We had homes, jobs and security. Now everything is gone - the factory, the houses, even hope,” he said, estimating losses of about $1 million.
Ihab added that the war has drained owners financially, physically and mentally. Even with the ceasefire he warned that the harder battles will be those of rebuilding and survival.
Moaz Hameed, 35, from Gaza city, shared a similar story. His family ran a chain of grocery shops supplying food and coffee across the enclave. Warehouses in western Gaza were burned and years of work turned to ashes. He estimates losses above $1 million.
Despite the huge setbacks, many businesspeople are already planning reconstruction. Moaz said recovery needs the entry of raw materials, industrial supplies, solar systems and construction equipment. “Without reopening crossings and restoring production lines, Gaza’s economy cannot return to life,” he said. “The market is different now - new prices, new taxes, new challenges - but we are determined to rebuild. We just need political clarity and access to goods.”
Saber Hanouneh, 49, still dreams of restoring his shampoo and cleaning-products factory, which was destroyed twice. He says losses exceed half a million dollars and his 10 workers are now jobless. “I founded the factory 25 years ago. It was my life’s work. If we return home, I will rebuild, stronger than before. All we need is support, open crossings, and a real reconstruction effort,” he said. “We will keep working until our last breath.”
May Allah grant patience and ease for those affected, and may support and safe access come soon so Gaza can rebuild and thrive again.
https://www.thenationalnews.co