In the shadow of conflict and destruction, the resilience of Gaza’s professionals is emerging with a unique strength. In makeshift spaces, specialists such as Dr. Mohammed al-Khalidi are determining how to carry on their vital work, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to their communities even in the face of adversity. This ongoing struggle underscores the broader reality in Gaza, where the indomitable spirit of its people fuels hope amidst devastation, even as they adapt to a life redefined by displacement.
Khan Younis, Gaza – Dr. Mohammed al-Khalidi, a specialist in prosthetics and orthotics, operates from a modest tent in al-Mawasi, southern Gaza. This location has served as his workplace since his clinic on al-Bahr Street in Rafah was destroyed by Israeli bombing in April 2024, with subsequent attacks demolishing his clinics in Khan Younis’s Old City in May 2025. Despite these significant setbacks, al-Khalidi has salvaged whatever medical equipment he could and persevered, treating patients in improvised conditions for the past two years.
This setting reflects a stark new reality in Gaza, where the devastation inflicted by the ongoing war has compelled professionals to work from tents or on the streets. The trend gained momentum after a ceaseless bombardment since October 2023 forced Khan Younis residents into a tightly packed coastal strip between their hometown and Deir el-Balah. After a ceasefire, frequently violated by Israel, was declared in October 2025, the emergence of these temporary practices became a lifeline for many professionals seeking to sustain their services.
For al-Khalidi, the challenges of operating within such limitations are profound. The tent offers limited space, unreliable electricity, and discomfort due to heat and noise. However, he perceives this arrangement as preferable to halting his vital work altogether. In Gaza, a staggering 5,000 to 6,000 amputations have occurred since October 2023, underscoring the immense need for prosthetics and rehabilitative care.
Al-Khalidi emphasizes that the need for prosthetic limbs or orthotic devices cannot wait for a return to normalcy. With many patients relying on these essential services, his commitment to providing care remains resolute. Reports from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicate that more than 80% of buildings in Gaza have suffered destruction since the beginning of the conflict, resulting in a significant real estate crisis. This has led to skyrocketing rental prices, making office space unaffordable for many professionals. Nevertheless, the resilience and ingenuity of Gazans have driven them to adapt; lawyers meet clients, and doctors treat patients in makeshift tents.
Recounting his own experience, civil engineer Omar al-Tawashi shifted operations to a tent in Deir el-Balah after successive airstrikes obliterated his office and home. The harsh conditions force him to conduct business without the privacy typically required for discussing sensitive projects. The rental crisis has made traditional office space virtually unattainable, compounding the challenges faced by many professionals.
In the bustling market of Nuseirat, accountant Mahmoud Shaheen finds a way to serve clients in a small tent amid the hustle and bustle of vendors. The resounding chaos around him serves as a reminder of the continuing struggles imposed by the war. With the start of the school year in Gaza, tents have been hastily erected to accommodate students whose schools were destroyed, demonstrating the community’s commitment to education amidst adversity.
Teacher Palestine Hussein teaches children from a tent in Nuseirat after her educational center was reduced to rubble. While lacking basic resources such as seating and proper ventilation, Hussein remains determined to provide her students with education in a challenging environment. Her unwavering dedication symbolizes the broader spirit of resilience that defines the people of Gaza.
Merchant Khalil al-Tahrawi showcases clothing in a tent in the Nuseirat market, having salvaged his stock from the ruins of his destroyed shop. The repeated challenges of maintaining a business in such conditions are further complicated by rising costs and a fluctuating customer base, forcing shoppers to seek goods across different towns and camps.
Amid this turmoil, the adaptation of Gaza’s economy to a landscape of makeshift services highlights the resilience of its people. Despite the challenges posed by power outages and limited resources, Gazans are finding ways to maintain some semblance of normalcy. As customer behaviors shift, many recognize that accessing services in temporary spaces is better than having no options at all. The transformation of Gaza, although born from hardship, showcases the strength and determination of its people in the face of ongoing trials.
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