DaysofPal- On a street corner in the Remal market in Gaza City, Abdulrahman al-Awadi stands inside a small tent made of tarpaulin, running a mobile phone charging station powered by a solar panel. What began as a temporary solution during the war has become his only source of income.
The 25-year-old graduated from Al-Aqsa University with a degree in fine arts two years before the war. He once worked in graphic design and participated in exhibitions, hoping to build a career in the arts. Today, he charges phones for one or two shekels, struggling to earn enough to survive.
“Before the war, I was taking my first steps in exhibitions and advertising,” he said. “Now I work at a small charging point near my home, trying to secure the bare minimum to get by.”
During the war, al-Awadi and his family were displaced to southern Gaza for more than a year. He tried to continue practicing art, following exhibitions online and sketching when possible, but the constant fear and destruction made it difficult. When he returned home, he found that his drawings, tools, and studio had been destroyed.
“I lost everything,” he said. “My work, my materials, my space. All gone.”
With few options left, he created a new livelihood from scratch. Residents come to charge their phones for a small fee, though even that is difficult to afford for many due to the severe cash shortage.
A Growing “Survival Economy”
Al-Awadi’s experience reflects a broader shift in Gaza, where traditional professions have collapsed and been replaced by improvised work shaped by necessity. The war has devastated the economy, forcing even university graduates into informal, unstable jobs.
People now rely on small-scale activities such as charging phones, selling food, or providing basic services to earn a daily income.
Economic researcher Rami al-Zaygh described this shift as a “survival economy” that has helped many avoid complete destitution. He said the war has pushed society back decades, reviving old trades and creating entirely new ones driven by scarcity and hardship.
“These jobs depend on simple tools and whatever resources are available,” he explained. “They are not stable and change constantly depending on conditions such as displacement, insecurity, and shortages.”
According to his estimates, Gaza’s economy has contracted by about 85 percent, with unemployment reaching around 80 percent. Nearly the entire population now lives below the poverty line.
Participation in this fragile economy has spread across all segments of society, including students, professionals, and even those with advanced degrees.
Struggle for Survival and Dignity
In the same market, 32-year-old Mustafa Bulbul sells sweetcorn alongside his brother. Before the war, he worked in business administration for a local company. Today, he lives in a tent with his wife and three children after being displaced from eastern Gaza City.
“I lost everything in the war, my home, my job, my profession,” he said. “Now I work in whatever is available to support my family.”
He explained that most companies have been destroyed, leaving few opportunities in his field. The collapse of businesses has forced many into work that does not match their skills or education.
Even his current job is uncertain. Food supplies fluctuate, and essential items like cooking gas are often unavailable, forcing him to rely on charcoal and firewood. Prices remain high, while purchasing power has sharply declined.
Despite the hardship, Mustafa continues working to maintain a sense of stability for his family.
“I hope one day I can return to my previous job, to my office and my old life,” he said. “Everyone here is exhausted.”
His words echo a broader reality in Gaza, where survival has become the priority, and long-term aspirations remain out of reach for many.
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