Gaza

With funds equivalent to just 2.9 percent ($35.7 billion) of their combined annual military spending, Group of Seven (G7) countries could help end world hunger and solve the debt crisis in the Global South, reveals new Oxfam analysis ahead of the G7 Summit in Borgo Egnazia, Italy.

In response to the UN Security Council’s ceasefire resolution, Oxfam’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Sally Abi Khalil, said: “It is critical that all military forces withdraw. This plan must not lead to permanent occupation or de facto annexation, which would kill any hope for a just and lasting peace." 

In response to Israel’s operation in Nuseirat over the weekend, Oxfam’s Regional Director for the Middle East Sally Abi Khalil said:

“We welcome the news that four hostages are back with their families after an eight month-long ordeal in captivity, under constant Israeli bombardment. Taking hostages is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and independent international investigation of all incidents is essential.

In reaction to today’s order from the International Court of Justice to South Africa’s case, which demands Israel halt its offensive in Rafah, Sally Abi-Khalil, Oxfam’s Regional Director for the Middle East said: "Oxfam welcomes the ICJ’s order as a critical intervention to stop Israel’s military onslaught on Rafah, which has displaced more than 800,000 people, and an affirmation of the right to life of the Palestinian people."

In reaction to Spain, Ireland and Norway recognizing the State of Palestine, Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa said: “This recognition is a landmark decision and other countries must follow suit. It is a crucial step in affirming the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination, but it must transcend beyond symbolism into concrete steps towards ending the Israeli occupation and achieving full sovereignty for the Palestinian State.

The destruction of critical water and sanitation infrastructure by the Israeli forces along with severe over-crowding, malnutrition and heat is pushing Gaza to the brink of a deadly epidemic outbreak, Oxfam warned today. 

To date, Oxfam along with 14 partner organisations, has reached 262,424 people with cash, food, and essential basic items. This also included restoring water and sanitation and providing protection services to vulnerable groups. Oxfam has also led a global movement for a permanent ceasefire and to allow unfettered humanitarian aid into Gaza. We are grateful to our supporters and institutional donors for their contributions to this response.

In reaction to Israel’s imminent invasion of Rafah, Sally Abi-Khalil, Oxfam’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Director said: “We are horrified by Israel’s order to evacuate around 100,000 people and what appears to be an impending invasion of Rafah, despite a universal plea from world leaders urging it to stop its continued, barbaric, onslaught.  

Reacting to the GRFC 2024 report, Oxfam Global Food and Economic Security Lead, Emily Farr, said: “The global hunger crisis is fundamentally a moral crisis. It is unforgivable that over 281 million people are suffering acute hunger while the world’s richest continue to make extraordinary profits, including the same aerospace and defence corporations helping to fuel conflict, the main driver of hunger.  

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."