Israels military action in Gaza severely disrupts local transportation

Gaza City Infrastructure Suffers Extensive Damage Amid Ongoing Conflict

The total losses of transport infrastructure in Gaza have been estimated at $2.5 billion, resulting in widespread isolation and suspension of basic services. A joint report by the World Bank, European Union, and United Nations found that approximately 81 percent of Gaza’s road network has been damaged or destroyed.

Prior to the conflict, Gaza’s streets were bustling with vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, buses, and taxis. However, after over two years of Israeli bombardment, many areas are now inaccessible due to rubble-filled roads or deemed too hazardous for use. This has made motorized transport difficult and, in some places, impossible.

Many residents have been forced to adapt to new modes of transportation, with bicycles becoming a common sight. A university professor, Hassan El-Nabih, has taken to riding his bicycle daily to reach his students online due to damaged infrastructure and suspended public transport.

The war has also severely impacted the local economy, with prices for fuel and vehicles skyrocketing. Many residents, including Abu Mohammed Jundieh, who lost his car in the early days of the conflict, now struggle to afford basic transportation.

In response to the crisis, some businesses have turned to alternative modes of transport, such as hand-pulled carts or limited motorcycle use where fuel is available. The few Palestinians allowed to leave Gaza through the Rafah border crossing are often forced to travel on foot due to the ongoing threat of Israeli attacks.

A small bicycle repair shop in Gaza City has seen a surge in demand for repairs, with customers waiting daily for services. The shop’s owner, Abu Luay Haniyeh, reports that bicycles are no longer available for sale, and those that were previously affordable now cost over $1,000.

In some sectors, such as delivery services, bicycles have become an essential means of transportation. Hamama Delivery, a company operating in Gaza City, has taken to using bicycles to meet the growing demand for their services.

Source: Al Jazeera