{
  "id": 7693810,
  "title": "Gazans turn to taxi trailers as Israeli shortages narrow transport options",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/gazans-turn-to-taxi-trailers-as-israeli-shortages-narrow-transport",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/09/16/gazans-turn-to-taxi-trailers-as-israeli-shortages-narrow-transport-options/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gaza residents are increasingly relying on taxi trailers as a mode of transportation due to Israeli shortages that have severely limited other options. Amina Al Hannawi, a 48-year-old Saftawi neighbourhood resident, described the arduous journey in an open trailer, noting the exhaustion and discomfort caused by the shaking vehicle and unbearable heat. She experienced dizziness and felt imminent collapse during stops. The trailers, originally for livestock, carry about 20 people, including children and the elderly, and journeys that once took five minutes now last half an hour or more due to congestion, damaged roads, and overcrowding. Over 80% of vehicles in Gaza were destroyed or damaged during the war, leaving few operational. Fuel, lubricants, and spare parts are in short supply, making maintenance difficult. Additionally, the trailers lack safety features and have detached from towing cars, causing accidents. Mohammed Al Madhoun, a resident, recounted being injured along with others when the trailer he was on became detached from the car and veered off the road. Despite the dangers, taxi drivers continue to use trailers due to limited demand and financial strain. Gaza's transport authorities urge the import of fuel, spare parts, and new vehicles, along with road repairs. However, until these are provided, residents like Al Hannawi face a stark choice between dangerous travel or remaining immobile.",
  "summary": "It is slow, bone-rattling and undeniably dangerous, but travelling in open trailers drawn by cars is one of the few ways Gaza residents can get around the small area of the coastal strip that is not occupied by Israel's army . “We arrive exhausted and aching, barely able to stand because the trailer shakes throughout the journey, throwing us from side to side,” said Amina Al Hannawi, a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Gazans turn to taxi trailers as Israeli shortages narrow transport options",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/gazans-turn-to-taxi-trailers-as-israeli-shortages-narrow-transport-7695665",
        "published": "2026-09-16T03:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}