Sustaining livelihoods amid crisis in Gaza | UN News
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Sustaining livelihoods amid crisis in Gaza
11 October 2026
Economic Development
Nidaa, Hanaa and Hanin have different stories, but share a common thread: the determination to build something of their own and keep it going despite extraordinary challenges facing them in war-ravaged Gaza.
Following the devastation of the past three years, productive capacity in Gaza has been severely damaged, markets disrupted and the cost of basic goods has risen sharply. Their experiences reflect different parts of the same challenge: sustaining livelihoods that still exist, helping businesses restart and creating new opportunities where livelihoods have disappeared.
Running a business today means navigating uncertainty at every turn. Yet amid these challenges, women continue to find ways to work, adapting their businesses, learning new skills and somehow – supporting their families.
Nidaa: A livelihood built from childhood
Nidaa, 35, has her own business raising and selling chickens, ducks and rabbits in the southern city of Khan Younis. “I was passionate about this business since I was a child,” she said. “My mother worked with animals, and she taught me everything she knew. During the war, I faced many challenges with continuing my business. However, I insisted on continuing.”
When her home was destroyed during the war and she was displaced, she managed to save some of her animals and move them to Khan Younis. Trained as a teacher, Nidaa chose to follow her passion for raising animals, turning it into a business that helps support her family, including two brothers with disabilities.
‘During the time of famine, I lost many animals’ “Especially during the time of famine, I lost many animals,” she recalled. “Food became very expensive.”
Right now, challenges include shelter for the coming winter, access to safe water and limited ingredients for food for the birds and animals, she said. “I don’t know how I will take care of them without a proper shelter.”
Through the UN Development Programme (UNDP) partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, Nidaa received a grant to purchase animals and equipment, alongside training to strengthen her production skills. Now, Nidaa's ambition goes beyond sustaining what she has today. “I hope that my business will grow,” she said, “and I can inspire other women to work with animals.”
Hanaa: Hand-made local cheese
Hanaa, on the other hand, makes and sells local cheese in Gaza. She told UN News, "Gaza is a small place, but it has great potential." With support from UNDP, Hanaa started producing cheese at home using traditional methods passed down through generations. Now she sells her products at local markets, contributing to the economy and providing for her family.
Remember that these stories are just a glimpse into the resilience of Gaza's women in the face of adversity. In the world of continuous challenges, they represent hope and determination.