The entrepreneurial community in Gaza, a network of dedicated individuals committed to fostering growth and innovation, has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict with Israel. This has resulted in the loss of entrepreneurial leaders, creating a significant void in the realm of start-ups and business enterprises.
Mohammed Sharif Yousef, an esteemed entrepreneurship consultant at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has been deeply affected by the tragic events that have unfolded. The loss of many friends and peers, some of whom were killed after being displaced to areas deemed safe by the Israeli army, has left Yousef and his colleagues in a state of profound grief and distress.
The dire circumstances have led to Yousef being displaced from his home in Gaza City to the southern city of Khan Younis. He now finds himself actively engaged in relief work, supporting families with essential provisions such as flour, canned goods, and vegetables. Moreover, the devastating impact of the conflict has compelled him to discontinue his relief efforts as the casualties from Israel’s aerial bombardment continue to rise.
The entrepreneurial community in Gaza, represented by individuals like Yousef and his network, has been instrumental in devising technological solutions to address various challenges within the region, thereby creating employment opportunities for graduates facing limited prospects due to the enduring blockade imposed by Israel.
The recent losses of esteemed figures such as Tariq Thabet and Abdelhamid al-Fayoumi have been particularly devastating. Tariq Thabet, known for his significant contribution in directing the business incubator at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza, had positively impacted the lives of thousands of young people by helping them secure employment opportunities. Similarly, Abdelhamid al-Fayoumi had founded Sanabel, an organization that excelled in producing software and multimedia resources, contributing significantly to the local and regional Arab markets.
The profound impact of these losses extends beyond personal grief. Gaza’s professional class, including doctors, university lecturers, business owners, and journalists, has suffered severe human costs. The deliberate targeting of an ethnic group’s political and economic leadership, as evidenced by the tragic deaths of Dr Yasser al-Alam and others, constitutes an act of “eliticide”. This term refers to the deliberate targeting of intellectuals, academics, and community leaders, aiming to obstruct the community’s ability to regenerate and rebuild itself effectively.
In light of these devastating losses, it is incumbent upon the entrepreneurial community of Gaza to honour the legacies left behind by these exceptional individuals. The hope is that their memory will serve as a source of inspiration, fuelling the continued pursuit of entrepreneurial success in Gaza and preserving their invaluable contributions to the region’s development.
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