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At current rates it could take more than 100 years to complete essential building of homes, schools and health facilities in Gaza unless the Israeli blockade is lifted, Oxfam warned today as new figures show the amount of vital construction materials entering Gaza dropped last month.

The bulk of money pledged at the global donor conference to rebuild Gaza will languish in bank accounts for decades before it reaches people unless long-standing Israeli restrictions on imports are lifted, Oxfam said today. 

Israeli and Palestinian leaders must seize the opportunity of the new ceasefire to end the violence once and for all. Lasting peace for all civilians will only be possible if Israel permanently lifts its restrictions on Gaza’s economy and people.

The most recent escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel has come at terrible human cost. The recent ceasefire announcement is certainly a welcome one, but is only the first step on a long road toward lasting peace.

The crisis in Gaza is fast spiralling out of control with water supplies critically low and a public health crisis imminent, Oxfam warned today

Working with Israeli and Palestinian partner organizations, Oxfam aims to improve the lives of poor and marginalized Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank. Why is Oxfam against settlements? Does Oxfam support a boycott of Israel? Read the answers and learn more about our position on the conflict.

With a ceasefire holding, Oxfam sees an opportunity to break the cycle of violence and lift the blockade once and for all.

Martin Hartberg, Oxfam Policy Officer in Jerusalem said:

Oxfam today warned that the Gazan economy, which has been almost completely destroyed by three years of isolation, will continue to unravel unless the blockade is completely and immediately lifted.

As donors are set to meet at a key conference hosted by Egypt in Sharm Al-Sheikh tomorrow to raise funds to help rebuild the Gaza Strip, international agency Oxfam International warned that unless key goods are allowed in and Israel ends its blockade reconstructing Gaza will not happen.