Donkey Carts: A Lifeline in War-Torn Gaza Strip
Swerving to avoid a crater left in the road by a strike, a donkey trots along the debris-strewn streets of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, then slows to navigate a narrow passageway cleared through the rubble of destroyed apartment blocks.
With a dearth of fuel caused by Israel’s blockade of Gaza since the start of its war against Hamas, donkey carts have become an essential mode of transport for people and goods in the bombarded Palestinian territory.
A Slow Journey Through Destruction
“It’s hard to move so we use donkey carts. Unfortunately, it takes us three to four hours to reach Khan Younis,” said Mohammed Al-Najar, a resident of Khan Younis whose home was destroyed by an airstrike. Al-Najar and his family now live in a school in Khuza’a, about 8 km away on the eastern outskirts of town.
The slower pace gives a clear view of a city scarred by war, with the white donkey trotting past one scene of destruction after another. Some buildings have been reduced to grey piles of broken concrete and metal rods, with bits of clothing and possessions strewn amid the chaos. Others are damaged to different degrees, with pockmarked facades, holes in walls, and missing windows. One building stands as an empty shell, supported by pillars but without walls.
The streets are filled with sheets of corrugated iron bent at strange angles, piles of rubbish, and debris. Motor vehicles are scarce, with only the occasional scooter seen on the road. Bicycles and other donkey carts are more common, while most people travel on foot. The lack of fuel has forced residents to carry heavy loads themselves, with two men seen sharing the weight of a cooking gas cylinder.
Surviving Amidst Devastation
While the destruction in Khan Younis is not as extreme as in Gaza City and other parts of northern Gaza, which have borne the brunt of Israel’s military campaign, the devastation is still evident. Drone footage from the north shows large areas that have been blasted into moonscapes.
Tragedy Strikes in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, an eight-year-old boy and a teenager were killed by the Israeli army. CCTV footage circulating online shows the boy being struck by a bullet and falling in the street, sending other children fleeing. Another video captures a teenager being hit by a bullet and falling, appearing to call for help as more shots hit the ground around him. The teenager can be seen struggling on the ground in apparent agony for at least half a minute.
International Outrage and Solidarity
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, branding him “the butcher of Gaza” and accusing him of spawning anti-Semitism worldwide. Erdogan stated that Netanyahu is endangering the security of all Jews by supporting anti-Semitism through the killings in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Oslo’s city hall raised the Palestinian flag in solidarity with the people of Gaza on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The event brought together pro-Palestinian activists and aimed to remember the thousands of children who have lost their lives in the conflict.
Conclusion
As the war rages on in Gaza, donkey carts have become a lifeline for transportation in the devastated territory. With a lack of fuel due to Israel’s blockade, residents must rely on these humble carts to move people and goods. The scenes of destruction in Khan Younis and other parts of Gaza are a stark reminder of the toll this conflict has taken on innocent lives. International outrage and solidarity continue to grow as the world witnesses the devastating consequences of this ongoing war.