The streets of central Gaza have become scenes of endless queues and exhausted faces as a severe transportation breakdown compounds the humanitarian crisis. What were once simple daily commutes have transformed into hours-long odysseys under the harsh sun, with residents often forced to choose between waiting for overcrowded carts or undertaking dangerous walks through damaged streets. The collapse of road networks and vehicle availability has left families separated and essential workers unable to reach their posts.

In markets where crowds swell beyond capacity, the air grows thick with dust and exhaustion. Elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions report fainting from the combination of heat and overcrowding, while medical facilities lack even basic supplies to treat heatstroke or dehydration. The situation has become particularly dire for vendors trying to transport goods and parents attempting to reach distribution points, with many abandoning their efforts after hours of unsuccessful waiting.

Local authorities confirm that population numbers have quadrupled in some areas, overwhelming infrastructure designed for a fraction of the current inhabitants. This density creates not only physical challenges but deep psychological strain, as every basic task becomes a test of endurance. The transportation collapse represents just one layer of a systemic breakdown that has left hundreds of thousands facing impossible choices between safety, sustenance, and survival.