Gaza is in the grip of a fuel crisis driven by Israel's blockade. The shortage has left many Palestinians unable to use their vehicles - forcing them to flee on foot, over long distances. Now some are seeking alternatives. But that involves burning plastics and creating toxic fumes.

Jerusalem

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

Residents in Gaza are resorting to burning plastic waste to create alternative fuel due to a severe shortage caused by blocked fuel deliveries. This process produces thick, toxic smoke that blankets the streets, posing significant health risks to the population. The scarcity has driven fuel prices to unaffordable levels, with even the makeshift alternatives costing as much as $45 per litre. As Israeli forces advance into residential areas, the demand for fuel far exceeds the limited supply, forcing thousands to flee on foot and exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.

Gaza fuel crisis forces residents to turn to toxic alternatives

In Gaza, even the air can kill you. With Israel blocking fuel deliveries, young men gather piles of plastic waste and burn it to produce a few litres of an alternative fuel. The thick smoke is full of toxic chemicals. It chokes the streets, blanketing donkey carts and weary pedestrians. We started this project because of the ongoing fuel crisis. There are almost no fuel deliveries. We collect plastic from the streets and burn it to make fuel to power cars and trucks. It's dangerous work, but it's some of the only fuel available in Gaza City, which is running on fumes and desperation. And as Israeli forces press deeper into residential areas, demand for this substitute far exceeds production. These days, the price of one litre of real fuel is nearly $150. I can't afford that, so I use this alternative fuel made here. It's not ideal, but it helps for the time being. And it's not cheap either. One litre of this costs $45. So thousands flee by foot, kilometre after kilometre, under the rule of warplanes and drones, bringing with them only what they can carry. I walked from Gaza Port to the central area. I have been walking since 5am, and I have just arrived. I'm struggling with my injury. Now I have to find somewhere to live in Deir el-Balah so I don't lose the rest of my children. The lack of fuel is crippling Gaza, worsening the already severe humanitarian crisis. Behind me, the air is filled with toxic smoke from the burning plastic. It's a dangerous solution to the fuel shortage, but for many families, it's the only way to move and escape the bombardment. Tarek Abu Azzom, Al Jazeera, Deir el-Balah, Palestine.

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Gaza fuel crisis forces residents to turn to toxic alternatives

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