In brief
In war‑torn Gaza, a young software engineer named Walaa Volidis turns her laptop into a lifeline, connecting with clients in Silicon Valley while living in a tent with her family. She and others have set up co‑working spaces powered by generators and solar panels, turning a ruined economy into a quiet hub for remote freelancing. Despite government bans on importing computer parts and severe cash shortages, these workers find ways to fulfil contracts, sometimes routing payments through overseas relatives or local brokers, though they often lose much of the earnings. Their stories illustrate both the harsh constraints in Gaza and the determination to keep a digital future alive.
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.
