In the aftermath of the Israel–Gaza war, Palestinian software engineer Walaa Volidis works from a tent in central Gaza, her laptop and headset the only tools she has.
The 24‑year‑old connects with mentors in California’s Silicon Valley, keeping her coding skills sharp while her family uses the spare rooms at a co‑working space in Deir al‑Balah as a refuge.
The daily reality is a mix of hope and hardship: she lost her job, university, and several family members when the conflict erupted, yet she has found ways to earn a living through remote freelancing for clients abroad.
Co‑working hubs have sprung up across Gaza, utilizing generators and solar panels to provide internet and power where the public grid has collapsed. These spaces allow tech talent to collaborate on mobile apps, websites and advertising campaigns, sometimes with teams in distant countries.
Payments, however, remain a stumbling block. With most banks closed and international digital platforms blocked, many workers route earnings through relatives in Egypt or via local brokers who charge high conversion fees—often cutting the final payout in half.
Despite restrictions on importing computer parts for dual‑use restrictions, local workshops improvise repairs from damaged devices, giving tech workers a chance to keep their equipment running.
Walaa’s story is a microcosm of Gaza’s new digital economy—a lifeline that not only sustains livelihoods but also offers a vision of a brighter, resilient future amid ongoing conflict.
