The Gaza-Israel ceasefire, which came into effect in January 2025, has collapsed, shattering the hope of stability. Israel continues with its crimes unabated and with complete impunity, deepening the crisis faced by millions of Palestinians. 

Since October 2023, the Gazan people have faced unimaginable destruction and loss, with over 50,000 people killed including 166 journalists and media personnel, 120 academics, and over 224 humanitarian aid workers. According to OHCHR, 70% of Palestinians killed in residential buildings or similar housing were women and children. 

Describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as ‘horrific’ – or even ‘appalling, unspeakable, and beyond comprehension’ – remains a woeful understatement. As the death toll surges, the international community’s responses have amounted to little more than tepid condemnations, lacking the decisive action required to stem this ongoing violence. Civil society groups and human rights defenders on the ground are documenting these atrocities, revealing a pattern of collective punishment and violations of international law.

Yet, even amid relentless destruction, Gazans have shown an extraordinary capacity to innovate and rebuild. On International Women’s Day, we spoke with several women entrepreneurs from Gaza who expressed genuine excitement about the opportunity to continue working on their projects during the temporary ceasefire, a brief moment of respite that allowed them to envision a future beyond the relentless violence. Today, like all Gazans, their lives and livelihoods are under threat. 

At SPARK, we have always believed that sustainable change in Gaza comes from empowering the region’s innovators. Our partners and participants are dedicated entrepreneurs, social innovators, and community leaders committed to developing practical, locally driven solutions. They are actively working to create opportunities and jobs through resilient initiatives in renewable energy, technology, education, and community development. SPARK demands that the international community take immediate and decisive steps: demand that Israel lift the siege on Gaza, open unrestricted humanitarian corridors, deliver life-saving aid to every corner affected by this systematic violence, and most importantly, end the occupation. We call on global institutions and governments to enforce accountability, investigate these crimes against humanity, and bring those responsible to justice without delay.