Statement by Simon Van Melick, Chief Executive Officer of SPARK, on the ceasefire in Gaza

“At long last, after more than 466 days of devastating conflict in Gaza, a ceasefire has been reached. While this agreement offers a much-needed reprieve, it comes far too late to prevent the immeasurable bloodshed and destruction that has already unfolded. We now stand at a critical moment—a historic opportunity to end the devastation and pave the way for lasting, sustainable peace for all those affected by this tragedy.

The destruction in Gaza is overwhelming: the vast majority of homes, along with schools, hospitals, and essential civilian infrastructure, have been reduced to rubble. These must be urgently repaired and rebuilt. The scale of the devastation demands immediate and massive international relief and reconstruction efforts, with this ceasefire serving as the critical starting point for a sustained humanitarian response.”

Basel F. Qandeel: A local perspective on the ceasefire

“When I first heard about the ceasefire agreement, I felt a mix of emotions: happiness that the cycle of loss and destruction would come to an end, but deep sadness for those we lost—family, relatives, and friends. As we look to the future, the ceasefire brings hope for lasting peace and stability in Gaza. However, there is a lingering worry that it may not be sustainable, leading to future escalations. The rebuilding process will require immense effort and resources, as the conflict has left countless sectors—including infrastructure, businesses, and social services—in ruins.

The Islamic University of Gaza, like many other institutions, is determined to resume academic and research activities as soon as it is safe. Yet, it faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding its infrastructure, including digital learning tools and facilities, while ensuring that students and faculty have access to essential resources. Immediate support in the form of emergency education programmes, logistical aid, and funding will be critical.”

“Amidst the unimaginable hardship, stories of resilience and ingenuity from Palestinian entrepreneurs serve as beacons of hope. Many young business leaders have shown incredible creativity in adapting to the challenges of the conflict. For instance, Mohammed Hamtto, a graduate of the Business and Technology Incubator (BTI) at the Islamic University of Gaza, turned his passion for voiceover work into a thriving freelancing career. Despite losing professional equipment and facing interruptions due to the war, Mohammed’s determination never wavered. He set up a home studio with minimal resources, continuing to deliver projects to clients worldwide.

However, countless entrepreneurs have seen their businesses destroyed or disrupted. Some have managed to relocate outside Gaza, while others have paused operations entirely. What they need most right now is financial support in the form of grants, access to technology, tools, and networking opportunities to rebuild their businesses. Training and mentoring programmes tailored to the new realities of Gaza’s business environment will also play a crucial role in fostering their recovery.”

SPARK’s commitment to rebuilding Gaza

“We mourn the tremendous loss of civilians in Gaza, including many from the education and entrepreneurial communities. SPARK stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Gaza and remains committed to working towards a brighter future, honouring their legacy through our continued efforts.

SPARK remains resolute in advocating for a permanent ceasefire, with the hope of soon supporting the reconstruction efforts needed to help Palestinian civilians rebuild their lives, businesses, and economy. Through initiatives such as trauma-informed education programmes, digital learning platforms, and youth-led community projects, SPARK is empowering Palestinian youth to drive recovery and resilience in Gaza. Programmes like From Innovation to Creation, the Riyada Programme, and the Palestine Launchpad with Google offer scholarships, microfinance, and skills training tailored to the gig economy, entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

As we rebuild, my vision for Gaza’s business ecosystem aligns with SPARK’s commitment to fostering sustainability and resilience. This involves enhancing digital capabilities, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and fostering local and international collaboration. By providing the necessary resources, we can create an ecosystem that withstands future challenges and empowers Palestinian youth to seize opportunities even amidst adversity.

The world cannot afford to remain passive. Gaza’s people need more than words—they need action. Let this ceasefire serve as a turning point, not just an interlude. The international community must rally behind long-term rebuilding efforts, creating jobs and opportunities for the thousands of youth who embody Gaza’s resilience and determination. Together, we can transform this moment of reprieve into a foundation for hope, justice, and meaningful peace.”