In Gaza, Young People Turn to Unconventional Solutions to Survive
As Israel's blockade continues to strangle the Gaza economy, many young Palestinians are being forced to abandon their dreams of stable employment. Instead, they're turning to unconventional solutions - such as social media marketing and e-commerce - just to get by.
For Hala Mohammed al-Maghrabi, 24, this meant leaving her nursing career behind after graduating in 2023. "Volunteering doesn't pay the bills," she said. "With prices constantly rising and no stable income, it became impossible to rely on this work to meet even my basic needs."
Al-Maghrabi eventually shifted into social media marketing and e-commerce, working online to generate a modest income. "This isn't what I studied or planned for," she admitted. "But even though the income is limited, it helps me cover my daily expenses and survive under these conditions."
Her experience reflects a broader phenomenon in Gaza, where years of compounded crises have pushed unemployment to unprecedented levels. According to Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics' 2024 figures, the overall unemployment rate in Gaza is a staggering 69 percent.
The population under 30 accounts for approximately 70% of Gaza's residents, meaning the majority of the community faces severe economic challenges. Many young people hold university degrees but are unable to find suitable employment.
Gaza's GDP has contracted by more than 82 percent due to Israel's ongoing war and destruction of economic infrastructure, leaving around 80% of the population reliant on international aid.
For some, innovation has become a necessity. Mohammed al-Hajj converted part of his property into a small workspace equipped with an internet connection after his business was destroyed in the war. "I created this place after running out of options," he said. "Students and engineers needed somewhere stable to take exams or work online, and this became a solution for them – and for me."
His story illustrates how innovation in Gaza often emerges directly from crisis, as individuals attempt to solve immediate problems with limited resources.
However, not all innovations are created equal. Many educated young people - doctors, engineers, nurses, and graduates - are now selling bottled water, vegetables, or second-hand clothes on the streets, simply to survive.
This desperation has also led to exploitation. Mahmoud, a young man from Gaza, described how the lack of jobs and social protection has pushed people towards shady or dangerous businesses.
While innovation has opened new paths for some, it's clear that desperation is being abused in many cases. Yet, examples like Abu Zayed General Trading's innovative approach to energy production using plastic scraps as fuel persist.
Even under the toughest circumstances, a small idea can turn into a sustainable project that supports the community and restores a sense of productivity. As Project Manager Maram al-Qarra said, "The problem in Gaza isn't a lack of talent, but the absence of an economic environment capable of absorbing it."
As Israel's blockade continues to strangle the Gaza economy, many young Palestinians are being forced to abandon their dreams of stable employment. Instead, they're turning to unconventional solutions - such as social media marketing and e-commerce - just to get by.
For Hala Mohammed al-Maghrabi, 24, this meant leaving her nursing career behind after graduating in 2023. "Volunteering doesn't pay the bills," she said. "With prices constantly rising and no stable income, it became impossible to rely on this work to meet even my basic needs."
Al-Maghrabi eventually shifted into social media marketing and e-commerce, working online to generate a modest income. "This isn't what I studied or planned for," she admitted. "But even though the income is limited, it helps me cover my daily expenses and survive under these conditions."
Her experience reflects a broader phenomenon in Gaza, where years of compounded crises have pushed unemployment to unprecedented levels. According to Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics' 2024 figures, the overall unemployment rate in Gaza is a staggering 69 percent.
The population under 30 accounts for approximately 70% of Gaza's residents, meaning the majority of the community faces severe economic challenges. Many young people hold university degrees but are unable to find suitable employment.
Gaza's GDP has contracted by more than 82 percent due to Israel's ongoing war and destruction of economic infrastructure, leaving around 80% of the population reliant on international aid.
For some, innovation has become a necessity. Mohammed al-Hajj converted part of his property into a small workspace equipped with an internet connection after his business was destroyed in the war. "I created this place after running out of options," he said. "Students and engineers needed somewhere stable to take exams or work online, and this became a solution for them – and for me."
His story illustrates how innovation in Gaza often emerges directly from crisis, as individuals attempt to solve immediate problems with limited resources.
However, not all innovations are created equal. Many educated young people - doctors, engineers, nurses, and graduates - are now selling bottled water, vegetables, or second-hand clothes on the streets, simply to survive.
This desperation has also led to exploitation. Mahmoud, a young man from Gaza, described how the lack of jobs and social protection has pushed people towards shady or dangerous businesses.
While innovation has opened new paths for some, it's clear that desperation is being abused in many cases. Yet, examples like Abu Zayed General Trading's innovative approach to energy production using plastic scraps as fuel persist.
Even under the toughest circumstances, a small idea can turn into a sustainable project that supports the community and restores a sense of productivity. As Project Manager Maram al-Qarra said, "The problem in Gaza isn't a lack of talent, but the absence of an economic environment capable of absorbing it."
You know what's wild is how desperate people get to survive? Like, I've been following this story about Gazan youth and their unconventional solutions 
. It's crazy to see them turning to e-commerce and social media marketing just to make ends meet 
. And the stats are mind-blowing - 69% unemployment rate?! That's insane! 
. I mean, sure, it's awesome that people are finding ways to survive and even create sustainable projects 
. But let's not forget the desperation behind it all 
. We need to acknowledge the root causes of poverty and inequality in Gaza and work towards creating real economic opportunities for its youth 
.
. How do you think platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be harnessed to support entrepreneurship and innovation in Gaza? Should we be promoting more online marketplaces or social media campaigns that amplify Gazan voices? 
young ppl are having to get creative just to survive, which is a testament to their resilience but also highlights how broken the system is 
I feel so bad for those young ppl in Gaza trying to survive thru social media & e-com. It's like they're stuck in this never-ending loop of struggle 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to work as a nurse or engineer after graduating? 
But the economy's all messed up and it's like Israel's blockade is suffocating them 
.
. And Maram al-Qarra's quote about the lack of an economic environment being the problem? SO TRUE 
. It's not just about talent, it's about the system allowing ppl to thrive.
. And the exploitation... ugh 
. It's like, we're supposed to be a civilized society, right? Where ppl can live with dignity & respect?
, but I still have hope that things will change in Gaza someday. Maybe we'll see more innovative solutions pop up and ppl will start thriving again 
.
meanwhile 69% of ppl in gaza r unemployed 
it's like they're just makin do with whatever scraps they can find online 
and dont even get me started on how people r sellin bottled water on the streets for a livin 
but 1st, we need 2 see some change in the situation here 
gazas economy has gone down 82% & ppl r sellin stuff on streets like bottled water n veggies lol no wonder they cant even afford basic needs 
anywayz, its good 2 hear bout ppl like abu zayed who r usin plastic scraps as fuel 4 energy production that's innovation i can get behind 
Of course, it's also clear that desperation can lead to some shady stuff going on, but at least there are examples of people pushing back & finding solutions 
It's crazy how innovation can be both a lifesaver and a nightmare at the same time 
They're like the digital version of the ultimate side hustlers! I'm surprised they can even remember what 'stable employment' means 
. But seriously, 69% unemployment in Gaza is insane... like, how do you put that on your resume? "Oh yeah, I used to have a job, but then Israel just cancelled it" 
. And selling bottled water on the streets? That's some next-level entrepreneurial spirit right there 
. Maybe we should all take a page out of their book and start hustling... or at least buying more bottled water 
I just can't imagine having to resort to selling bottled water or second-hand clothes on the streets just to survive... 69% unemployment rate is crazy 
. We need to think about ways to create a stable economy in Gaza that can absorb all this talent and innovation 
. Selling bottled water and second-hand clothes on the streets just to survive is not okay. It's like, we're already struggling with poverty, do we really need to resort to shady businesses? 
. We need better economic solutions, not just Band-Aid fixes 
.
.
.
. they're not asking for much, just a stable future where they can use their skills to make a difference 
. i think we need to acknowledge the desperation that's driving ppl like mahmoud into shady businesses & find ways to address the root cause of this problem