Transportation crisis and lack of liquidity… a new daily battle

Freedom of movement in the Gaza Strip is no longer a given, as it was before the Israeli war. It has become a daily struggle for residents, a battle fought with both physical and emotional strain. A crippling transportation crisis, a severe cash shortage, and a lack of small change have made getting to work, the hospital, or even basic necessities a daunting challenge.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli war has left widespread destruction, damaging thousands of cars, buses, and trucks, as well as infrastructure such as roads, streets, gas stations, and maintenance workshops. This has led to a near-total paralysis of transportation, forcing residents to rely on rudimentary, slow, and often expensive and dangerous means of transport.

Mohammed Al-Falit bitterly summarizes the situation, noting that transportation fares have increased tenfold compared to pre-war prices. The journey from Khan Younis to Gaza, which used to cost no more than 6 shekels, now ranges between 20 and 25 shekels. Meanwhile, travel within the cities themselves has become nearly impossible, not only due to the scarcity of vehicles but also as a result of the shortage of small change and cash.

Adham Abu al-Ata says that many citizens are now forced to walk long distances to save on fares, while others resort to climbing onto empty trucks on the roads, risking their lives to escape unaffordable fares and the scarce transportation options that fail to meet even their basic needs.

In short, the Gaza Strip is experiencing a severe transportation crisis, compounded by a liquidity crisis, a shortage of small change, and unprecedented price hikes in fuel and spare parts. This occurs while only 5% of the market’s needs are allowed into Gaza, and most of that is counterfeit, in addition to fees for “coordination” that can reach three million shekels per truck. All of this places a heavy burden on both drivers and residents, turning even the simplest aspects of daily life into arduous journeys in a city that can barely move… or only on foot.