humanitarian aid

Israel is in the late stages of ethnic cleansing of the North Gaza governorate, Oxfam says. For fifty days, Israel has prevented Oxfam, its partners, and other humanitarian agencies from delivering life-saving aid to thousands of starving people in north Gaza.

In response to the statement from G7 Foreign Ministers today, Oxfam Italy’s Humanitarian Policy Advisor, Paolo Pezzati, said: “The G7’s calls for Israel to halt its planned offensive in Rafah, a permanent and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, urgent access of lifesaving aid and the release of all hostages is welcomed, but it must not be more words without actions."

Responding to the announcement by the Israeli government that Erez Crossing and Ashdod Port will now allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam Middle East and North Africa Director said: "Israel’s announced opening of the Erez crossing and use of Ashdod port for humanitarian aid are welcome but long overdue and insufficient steps to meet the immense needs of Palestinians in Gaza, who have been under siege and bombardment for six months."

Humanitarian needs around the world are outpacing available funding. The EU must take the right response when humanitarian crises hit, be they natural disasters or conflicts, while spearheading processes to ensure an effective and locally-led humanitarian response and ensuring international law is always upheld.

In response to the announcement of the release of hostages and prisoners, and of the four-day humanitarian pause to escalated hostilities in Gaza, agreed today between Hamas and the Government of Israel, Oxfam’s Humanitarian Director, Marta Valdez Garcia, said: “We welcome that fact that a number of the Israeli and foreign national hostages will be released. This deal allows much-needed time for families on both sides to be reunited, celebrate the safe return of their loved ones, and mourn those they have lost. It would be optimistic to see this as the beginning of a road toward a permanent ceasefire – but that looks distant.  

The amount of water available to people trapped in Gaza will still be just 17 percent of pre-siege levels, despite the Israeli government announcing that two trucks of fuel will now be allowed in each day, Oxfam warned. Current fuel levels have made water treatment, pumping and distribution virtually impossible. All water, fuel and food to Gaza was cut off by the siege implemented by the Israeli government on 9 October.

Reacting to the vote on Malta’s resolution, Oxfam America President and CEO Abby Maxman said: “Today’s resolution does show important progress in the Council in an effort to uphold international law. But at a time when a full cessation of hostilities is required, it falls far short by calling only for extended humanitarian pauses and corridors. Those are not nearly enough while the violence and siege continue. Even as hospitals are bombarded and the UN warns that their fuel supplies for aid have run dry, it is a bitter disappointment that UN Security Council members are still not able to vote for a ceasefire in Gaza."

Oxfam leaders, experts, and partners will be in New York for the UN General Assembly with a focus on the SDGs, inequality, climate, access to healthcare, humanitarian issues, and more. Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice and will bring this focus on inequality (Goal 10) and how it intersects with the entire 2030 agenda.

With 10 + years of experience leading program development and management at country and global levels, Mrs. Justine Gomis Tossou is passionate and committed to uplifting the most vulnerable communities. An outstanding facilitator, she has a proven track record serving in many international organizations in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean Islands. Justine is known for her excellent ability to provide cost-effective solutions and impactful, and lasting contributions to complex development issues.