In Gaza City, amidst the chaos of war, Tarik Zaeem, a 44-year-old programmer, finds solace in his remote work, coding for a Saudi app. Despite the destruction around him, Zaeem and other freelancers in Gaza continue to work for international clients through platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.com. This digital freelancing trend began over a decade ago due to high unemployment and increased internet access, offering a lifeline in an economy crippled by conflict and blockade. Although the recent war has disrupted many lives, the digital sector remains a vital source of income and hope for Gaza’s skilled workers.
QUESTION: How might the growth of digital freelancing in conflict zones like Gaza influence the future of work globally?
After bombs, blackouts and bank restrictions, Gaza’s digital workers are still coding
