Reacting to the announcement that Israel will allow a limited amount of aid into Gaza, Wassem Mushtaha, Oxfam’s Gaza Response Lead, said:
“While some aid was allowed into Gaza today, it will only be a trickle among a sea of need. For over 70 days Israel has been starving the people of Gaza, depriving them of food, water, medicine and essential supplies while escalating its cruel and indiscriminate bombing campaign. Two million people are on the brink of famine, and they are not just starving, but also traumatized, sick and displaced from their homes.
“The limited entry of aid into Gaza cannot be mistaken for meaningful progress, especially alongside the expansion of Israel's brutal bombing campaign across the Gaza Strip. It is not a turning point, but at best a narrow concession that seems to reflect mounting international pressure.
“Oxfam is also concerned about Israel’s plan to take over aid operations. Instead of restoring access, this emerging system centers on restrictive border crossings, military-controlled corridors, and opaque conditions that exclude local and experienced humanitarian organizations and hinder the impartial delivery of aid."
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s Policy lead in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Gaza, said:
“What is urgently needed is for all crossings to be opened to allow a full and proper humanitarian response that allows real access, with safe corridors and respect for international humanitarian law."
“A token convoy does not equal progress, only sustained, accountable access through every crossing will end the impunity that keeps aid from flowing. We must also see an end to the relentless bombing and attacks on Palestinian people, with an urgent and permanent ceasefire, alongside justice and accountability for all.”
/Ends