{
  "id": 7695665,
  "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",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-16T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "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 forced to rely on dangerous taxi trailers as transport options within the coastal strip dwindle due to Israeli-imposed restrictions and war damage. Amina Al Hannawi, a 48-year-old Saftawi neighbourhood resident, described the harrowing journey: \"We arrive exhausted and aching, barely able to stand because the trailer shakes throughout the journey, throwing us from side to side. On top of that, the heat is unbearable.\" The trailers, originally intended for livestock and goods, now often accommodate around 20 people, including children and the elderly. The journey, once a quick five-minute ride, has become a half-hour ordeal due to congestion, war-damaged roads, and overcrowding. Despite a fragile ceasefire, attacks and tight controls on goods entry have not alleviated the situation. Gaza's Transport and Communications Ministry spokesman, Anis Arafat, revealed that over 80% of vehicles have been destroyed or damaged during the war. Fuel, lubricants, and spare parts shortages exacerbate the problem, making repairs and maintenance nearly impossible. The trailers, lacking legal licenses and basic safety features, pose significant risks, as evidenced by a recent accident where three passengers, including the driver, were injured. Taxi drivers, grappling with soaring operating costs and a lack of alternatives, continue using trailers to maintain their livelihoods. Gaza's transport authorities have appealed for fuel, spare parts, new vehicles, and road repairs to improve conditions, but until these demands are met, residents like Ms. Al Hannawi are left with no choice but to endure the perilous and uncomfortable transportation.",
  "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 UAE",
        "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",
        "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."
}