The Center for Entrepreneurship and Organizational Excellence (CEOE) at QU College of Business and Economics organized a thought-provoking panel discussion in collaboration with the Excellence Center for Training and Consulting (ECTC) from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. The session was titled “Implications of the Gaza War: Impact on Regional Economic Policies.”

Dr. Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU, along with esteemed faculty members, researchers, and enthusiastic academicians from Qatar University and the Doha Institute, graced the session, delving into the profound economic reverberations of the conflict between Gaza and the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).

The session witnessed distinguished academicians engrossed in discussing the intricate economic facets of the Gaza war. With notable speakers, Dr. Ayhab Saad, Dean of the School of Economics, Administration, and Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, In addition, from QU, Dr. Ahmed Jamil Azem, Professor of International Relations at the College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Jalal Qanas, Assistant Professor in Economics at the college of Business and Economics. The session was moderated by Dr. Lanouar Charfeddine, Acting Section Head of Research and Policy at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Organizational Excellence, College of Business and Economics, Qatar University.

The discussion delved into the economic aftermath of the war between Gaza and the IOF, particularly focusing on the economic conditions in Palestine in general and Gaza in particular. The session highlighted pre-war issues ranging from labor challenges to Israel's economic dominion, controlling vital resources, and impeding overall economic progress within Palestine, be it in the West Bank or Gaza. It expounded on the adverse effects on Israel during the initial phase of the conflict, causing a complete cessation of economic activities, leading to reduced productivity and substantial workforce redirection for war and reserves.

In her opening speech, Dr. Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU, stated, “Our role as academic institutions in the region lies in preparing competent, responsible citizens who have the courage and ability to defend the nation's causes and all fair causes worldwide.” She added, “As academic institutions that create knowledge and promote awareness, what is happening in Gaza is an opportunity for reflection, analysis, drawing lessons, and insights in the fields of politics, media, international law, international relations, human rights, and military strategies. We discuss current challenges and their impact on shaping the future of the local and regional economies in this panel discussion, driven by our role as a College of Business and Economics.”

At the beginning of the panel discussion, in his role as moderator, Dr. Lanouar Charfeddine emphasized that this panel discussion would focus on four main points. First, it would delve into the economic implications of the ongoing Gaza-Israel War on both the Palestinian territories (Gaza Strip and West Bank). Second, it would explore the consequences for the Israeli economy, which has already shown preliminary signs of entering an economic recession, with expected economic growth dropping from 3.1% to 1.5%. Third, the discussion would revolve around the economic consequences of this conflict on neighboring countries, particularly Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, with a specific emphasis on the sectors most affected by the war. Finally, Dr. Charfeddine underscored the importance of considering potential spillover effects on the global economy, primarily due to the region's abundant resources in oil and gas, as well as its strategic position within the supply chain. Precisely that any regional expansion of this conflict could significantly impact oil prices, further highlighting the urgency of addressing its broader implications.

Dr. Ayhab Saad, Dean of the School of Economics, Administration, and Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, stressed the need to analyze the economic implications of the Gaza-Israel conflict, emphasizing the intertwined economies and the necessity to disengage from this complex relationship. He stated, “The effects of the war are clear and strong on both the Palestinian economy and the Israeli economy.”

Dr. Ayhab added, “Of course, for the Palestinian economy, there was talk about the issue of conflict and the intertwining of the Palestinian economy with the Israeli one and how to disengage this economy from the unhealthy relationship, which we called a dominant relationship. The halting of economic activities during the initial phase of conflict impacted production and labor forces, inflicting substantial damage on both Israeli and Palestinian economies.”

Dr. Ahmed Jamil Azem, Professor of International Relations at the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the multidimensional impacts of the conflict on human life, highlighting regional and international plans and the war's economic effects. “What is happening in the Gaza Strip, as presented in the conference, encompasses all the human, psychological, social, and familial aspects. Therefore, it was important for us to understand the economic effects of this conference and how they exert pressure on human life. Additionally, it sheds light on a set of regional and international plans prepared for the region, such as the topic of the Green Passage, the Silk Road issue, and others. In essence, this war, in terms of all its repercussions, has combined the humanitarian, economic, and political dimensions,” he explained.

Dr. Azem further elaborated, “The conference highlighted immediate economic impacts but left unanswered the long-term consequences of the ongoing war, particularly its uncertain outcomes. While addressing the economic effects on Israel, regional projects, Palestinians, and post-war reconstruction, it did not delve into the ceasefire's political and military aspects. With 50 to 60% of Gaza's buildings destroyed, the already suffering populace faces intensified hardship, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive academic analysis of the evolving economic landscape.”

Moreover, Dr. Jalal Qanas, Assistant Professor in Economics at QU, emphasized the future of the current crisis and the economic reconstruction imperative for Gaza. “The seminar centered on the economic aftermath of the Gaza-Israel war, primarily focusing on Palestine's economic state in Gaza before the conflict. It highlighted labor challenges and the economic reliance on Israel, which controlled essential resources like electricity and water, hampering development in both Gaza and the West Bank. The war initially halted economic activity in Israel, leading to reduced production. With Palestinian labor diverted to war efforts and halted, both sides incurred substantial damage, particularly affecting Israel due to disrupted labor and productivity.” He said

Dr. Jalal added, “The potential damages of $48 billion to $60 billion, with Palestine shouldering a heavier load due to human costs, infrastructure rebuilding, and stalled economic activities, closely tying the Israeli and Palestinian economies, Regionally, halted investments, disrupted gas pipelines, and decreased tourism affected Egypt and Jordan. Globally, nations like Russia, China, and the US were also impacted, altering global economic paths.
The symposium shed light on the intricate economic implications of the Gaza conflict, serving as an academic beacon amidst challenging times.