In the heart of Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza marked by the scars of war, a glimmer of resilience shines through. In April 2024, software engineer Sharif Naim founded TAQAT, a tech hub that has since become a lifeline for Gaza’s youth. Offering a modern workspace equipped with high-speed internet, TAQAT empowers freelancers and entrepreneurs to stay connected and productive in a region where such opportunities are scarce.
We provide our services through an online platform in Gaza, where most applications are submitted. Currently, we’ve received around 2,000 applications but can only support 500 people. Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone, so we set criteria to prioritize applicants with previous work experience who can quickly resume their jobs and support their families
“We provide our services through an online platform in Gaza, where most applications are submitted,” Naim explained. “Currently, we’ve received around 2,000 applications but can only support 500 people. Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone, so we set criteria to prioritize applicants with previous work experience who can quickly resume their jobs and support their families,” he added.
We offer free services, creating a vibrant eight-hour workday environment with internet access, electricity, and workstations. We strive to foster a collaborative workspace where individuals can build new opportunities, connect with others, and form partnerships—even internationally.
With limited resources, TAQAT has managed to create a dynamic environment. Naim noted, “We offer free services, creating a vibrant eight-hour workday environment with internet access, electricity, and workstations. We strive to foster a collaborative workspace where individuals can build new opportunities, connect with others, and form partnerships—even internationally.”
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We used to rely on our mobile phones, but the war made that impossible. Access to electricity and the internet has been a constant struggle across Gaza. Not everyone has access, but TAQAT restored this for us. Living in a tent camp, even when the internet was available, it was too weak for work. Now, thanks to TAQAT and solar energy, we can work during the day.
Electricity and internet access have been persistent challenges in Gaza, particularly during wartime. For many, TAQAT’s reliance on solar energy has been transformative. Digital marketer Ali Alkahlout shared his experience: “We used to rely on our mobile phones, but the war made that impossible. Access to electricity and the internet has been a constant struggle across Gaza. Not everyone has access, but TAQAT restored this for us. Living in a tent camp, even when the internet was available, it was too weak for work. Now, thanks to TAQAT and solar energy, we can work during the day.”
For freelancers like Sami Moshtaha, the challenges of working in Gaza are personal and profound. “Before the war, I worked comfortably as a content creator,” he recalled. “I had a private room, a studio, employees, electricity, and internet. But now, it’s nearly impossible to work. We lost everything: our home, money, cars—everything. Our work now depends on the sun,” he added.
TAQAT has also provided a much-needed platform for women in Gaza. Student and freelancer Shaima Abu al Atta described the hub as a “lifeline”: “For a very long time, we were just being displaced from one place to another, and we completely lost hope. TAQAT gave me the chance to not only continue my studies but also learn and improve my skills, both on the technical and management level.”
Youth unemployment in Gaza has consistently ranked among the highest in the world. According to a 2022 Macrotrends analysis, the combined youth unemployment rate in the West Bank and Gaza stood at 35.95%. Still, Gaza alone bore the brunt of the crisis, as its economy is far more vulnerable to political and logistical disruptions. Additionally, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics has reported unemployment among Gaza’s youth reached 75% in late 2023 and surged to nearly 80% by mid-2024 due to ongoing conflict and economic restrictions.
The International Labour Organization has noted specifically that youth in Gaza face a lack of vocational training and job creation initiatives, which exacerbates the issue. UNICEF reports that the ripple effects of high unemployment have led to increasing poverty, with over 50% of Gaza’s population living below the poverty line. Many families rely heavily on international humanitarian aid to meet basic needs.
Despite ongoing challenges, the people of Gaza remain remarkably resilient. Abu al Atta added, “We got used to inventing solutions in the face of any hardship. Under occupation, you don’t get the chance to dictate how your life looks. But despite that, we keep going. TAQAT has allowed us to resume our lives and just keep going.”
TAQAT’s impact extends beyond its walls. It has inspired a renewed sense of purpose among Gaza’s youth, offering tools and hope for a better future. Though challenges remain, including difficulties in receiving and withdrawing funds due to cash shortages, the hub is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Gazans.
In a region fraught with adversity, TAQAT stands as a beacon of hope—a reminder that even amid the rubble, innovation, and determination can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Giorgia Valente contributed to this report.