Entrepreneurial leaders in Gaza are facing a devastating blow as Israel’s relentless bombardment of the blockaded Gaza Strip has resulted in the loss of many of their colleagues. The close-knit group of entrepreneurs worked together to improve job prospects for new graduates but are now reeling from the constant killings by Israel. Mohammed Sharif Yousef, an entrepreneurship consultant at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has personally lost friends and peers, some of whom were killed after being displaced to supposedly safe areas in the south. Yousef himself has been displaced from his home in Gaza City and is now volunteering as a relief worker in Khan Younis.
The entrepreneurs in Gaza were instrumental in finding technological solutions to the region’s problems and creating job opportunities for graduates in an area heavily impacted by a 17-year siege imposed by Israel. The loss of their colleagues has left a gaping hole in the startup and business sector, with the impact of their institutions and contributions now halted.
One of Yousef’s close friends, Tariq Thabet, director of the business incubator at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza, was killed just after returning from a trip to the US where he received a Fulbright scholarship. Thabet had helped thousands of young people find jobs over the span of a decade and a half, making a significant difference in the constrained region of Gaza. Another devastating loss came with the death of Abdelhamid al-Fayoumi, a friend and former roommate of Yousef, who had founded Sanabel, a successful software and multimedia resources company. Al-Fayoumi’s entrepreneurial success had been a source of inspiration and hope for many in Gaza.
As Israel’s offensive on Palestinians in Gaza continues, the destruction goes beyond physical infrastructure. The human cost has been staggering, with over 15,500 people killed and another 6,800 presumed dead or missing under the rubble of their homes. The majority of the victims are civilians, including professionals such as doctors, university lecturers, business owners, and journalists. Israeli warplanes and artillery have also targeted roads, universities, historical buildings, and places of worship. Residential units and educational facilities have been extensively damaged or destroyed, leaving Gaza in a state of devastation.
The deliberate targeting of Gaza’s entrepreneurial and intellectual leadership is known as “eliticide,” a term coined to describe such actions in genocidal contexts. This strategy aims to prevent the targeted community from regenerating or rebuilding itself by instilling fear and hopelessness. The loss of these influential figures in Gaza’s entrepreneurial scene serves as a grim reminder that no one is safe and threatens the community’s ability to resist and reorganize.
On the same day that al-Fayoumi was killed, another blow was dealt to Gaza’s entrepreneurial community with the death of Dr. Yasser al-Alam, known as the “godfather of entrepreneurship.” Al-Alam was a renowned thinker who was dedicated to finding innovative solutions and creating effective marketing strategies. His loss, along with others, has left a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial community in Gaza.
Despite the devastating losses, Yousef remains determined to honor the memory of his fallen colleagues and continue the journey of entrepreneurship in Gaza. He believes that their killings must serve as motivation to push forward and achieve success in the face of adversity.
As the world watches the ongoing violence in Gaza, the impact on the entrepreneurial community highlights the immense challenges faced by businesses and startups in the region. The loss of these entrepreneurial leaders not only affects individuals but also has wider implications for the economy and job prospects in Gaza. The international community must recognize the importance of supporting the startup and business sector in Gaza to ensure its resilience and future growth.
