Opportunity in Conflict: Emerging Patchwork Economy in Gaza

In Gaza, amidst the wartime economy, there is a growing patchwork economy with emerging flea markets where people have bought back looted items. These markets, functioning for a brief period, are part of an economy where clans, mafias, and Palestinian businessmen leverage their resources and connections to Israel and Egypt. Following the weakening of Hamas, power dynamics are shifting, with new and old groups vying to fill the vacuum. Many of these groups are linked to Gaza's clans and families, traditional power players in the tribal society. Despite initial conflicts, Hamas realized the benefits of cooperation with these clans. With Hamas's military defeat in Gaza City, opportunities are arising for various groups to capitalize on the prevailing lawlessness and establish influence.