Region | Palestinian Territories
Gaza police now run free taxi service
Hamas's security force helps fuel-starved residents get from one place to another in emergency.
- AP
- Published: 00:27 May 5, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- Palestinians ride in a Hamas police car in Gaza City.
Gaza City: The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas started using police carson Sunday to ferry Palestinians around because of severe fuel shortages.
Orange stickers reading, "We are ready to drive you for free," were affixed to blue units of the Hamas-run police force.
Israel has restricted fuel supplies to Gaza in an attempt to pressure Palestinian fighters to halt their rocket barrages at nearby Israeli communities.
Although Hamas complains bitterly about fuel shortages, it is widely believed that it has hoarded supplies for its own use - especially now that it is offering its vehicles to ferry people for free.
But many residents, hit by lack of other transport, were just grateful for the service.
Suzan Salman, 48, used one of the police cars to take her to a downtown hospital, where her daughter had just given birth. "It's good that we have somebody who cares about us," the grandmother said.
"We are here to serve our people," said Mohammad Hamza, a 25-year-old Hamas policeman.
However, one Gaza resident, a 33-year-old man who gave his name only as Jamal, refused the offer, saying it was a publicity stunt.
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