Gaza City: British organization Oxfam has denounced Israel's decision to block aid to millions of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, calling it a "reckless act of collective punishment."
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Oxfam stated, "Israel's decision to block aid to over two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as Ramadan begins, is a reckless act of collective punishment, explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law." The organization emphasized that humanitarian aid is a fundamental right for civilians in urgent need and should not be used as leverage in conflicts. Following an assessment after a temporary ceasefire announcement on January 19th, Oxfam reported encountering severe destruction and conditions akin to famine in Gaza.
Oxfam highlighted the dire need for essential supplies, including water, food, and sanitation, as well as critical equipment for restoring water and electricity services. They noted that the aid allowed during the ceasefire provided minimal relief and urged the international community to pressure Israel to facilitate aid deliveries. The International Court of Justice has also directed Israel to ensure the widespread delivery of aid across Gaza.
M©decins Sans Fronti¨res (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, echoed Oxfam's concerns, criticizing Israel's use of aid as a strategic tool. MSF stressed the urgent need for a significant increase in humanitarian supplies to Gaza, condemning the blockade as "unacceptable" and likely to result in severe consequences. MSF's Caroline Seguin warned of the blockade's impact on food prices and the limited effectiveness of the increased number of aid trucks due to Israeli restrictions on critical supplies. Despite the ceasefire, the aid reaching Gaza predominantly consists of food and fuel, falling short of addressing the population's vast needs.
