Gaza's Industrial Sector: Between the Hammer of War and the Horizon of Recovery

Gaza's industrial sector, along with other vital production sectors, has been a primary target of systematic destruction, leaving much of its infrastructure in ruins. Before the latest Israeli offensive, this sector contributed approximately 16 percent to Gaza's GDP, with a total output valued at USD 777,484.4 million. Moreover, it was a key driver of employment, accounting for 14.6 percent of the workforce, which totaled 173,000 people, and providing jobs for around 25,362 workers (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), 2019). The industrial sector's significance extended beyond mere economic contribution; it played a central role in reducing poverty and unemployment rates, serving as a critical source of jobs, especially in labor-intensive activities. Small and micro-enterprises, in particular, were instrumental in this effort, as they offered employment through economic empowerment programs widely supported by various stakeholders. This support was channeled toward several sectors, with the industrial sector in Gaza receiving notable attention.