Gaza, February 4, 2026 (WAFA) – Hussein Nazir Al-Sinwar
Freedom of movement and travel is no longer as easy as it was before the war in the Gaza Strip, as the problem of transportation and the lack of change and liquidity has become a daily obstacle for citizens, who face difficulty in reaching their jobs and basic services .
Citizens confirmed that the destruction of thousands of cars, buses, trucks and basic infrastructure as a result of the Israeli war on October 7, 2023, led to an almost complete paralysis of transportation and movement, forcing residents to rely on primitive, slow and expensive means of transportation .
Citizen Ibrahim Wadi pointed out that transportation fares have increased tenfold compared to what they were before the war. The trip from Khan Younis to Gaza used to cost 6 shekels, and now it ranges between 20 and 25, while transportation within cities has become almost impossible due to the shortage of cars and the difficulty of obtaining change .
Citizen Adham Abu Aliyan explained that citizens are sometimes forced to walk long distances on foot to save on fares, while some resort to climbing onto empty trucks on the roads, risking their lives to overcome high prices and limited transportation .
Driver Fares Abdel Hadi pointed out that drivers and passengers face great difficulty in obtaining complete comfort, safety, and speed in reaching their destination, in light of the scarcity of cars and means of transportation, the difficulty in obtaining change and liquidity, in addition to the deterioration of roads and streets and the increasing burdens on everyone .
He explained that the high prices of fuel, whether imported or locally produced, increase the burdens on citizens, as the price of a liter of imported gasoline reaches about 100 shekels, and locally produced gasoline reaches 55, while the price of imported diesel reaches about 60 shekels, and locally produced diesel reaches 20-25, which are prices that are tens of times higher than their real prices, which is reflected in raising transportation fares .
Driver Hossam Matar said that a large number of people are now walking to save money for fares and to buy food and drink for their families due to poverty, displacement, and instability. He confirmed that some drivers refuse to transport passengers who do not have change, as they are unable to provide the necessary funds, which exacerbates everyone’s suffering .
Car mechanic Mohammed Al-Zaqzouq pointed out that the prices of car engines have increased from 6,000 shekels before the war to about 25,000-28,000, and a single tire from 300 shekels to 2,500-3,000, while the price of glass has increased from 300 shekels to more than 4,500, brake repair has increased to 800 shekels without the part, the daily reserve for maintenance has increased from 10-20 shekels to 150-200, and the price of engine oil has increased from 9-10 shekels to 80, while the quality of many parts is not original or used and performs a temporary function .
Local sources reported that over 60% of vehicles were destroyed during the war on Gaza, including cars, workshops, gas stations, and infrastructure. They attributed the high cost of transportation to fuel shortages, soaring prices, and the high cost of spare parts, in addition to the deterioration of roads and the destruction of streets. They added that over 90% of traffic lights and lampposts were destroyed, making movement on the streets extremely dangerous, especially with warning lights and traffic signals no longer functioning .
Sources confirmed that the Gaza Strip is experiencing a severe transportation crisis and an unprecedented rise in the prices of spare parts, change, and cash liquidity, noting that allowing the entry of less than 5% of the market’s needs for spare parts, most of which are not original, in addition to “coordination” that may reach 3 million shekels per truck, increases the burden on drivers and citizens in light of the instability and high cost of living.
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E.R.
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