Gaza

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.

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.

After ceasefire talks collapsed and violence erupted yet again, Oxfam today called on all states to immediately suspend transfers of arms or ammunition to Israel and any Palestinian armed group.

Full recovery from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza will be impossible unless Israel’s blockade is lifted permanently, Oxfam warned today as it held a demonstration in Parliament Square, London, to highlight the suffering the blockade causes.

More than 120,000 people have now fled their homes but have nowhere safe to go. With exit through Israel closed under the long-term blockade, and the border with Egypt shut, most people are prevented from escaping the violence.

Amid rising casualties, Oxfam’s partners on the ground are are trying to respond to the mounting human cost of the escalating violence. Vital water and sanitation infrastructure has also been destroyed or badly damaged by Israeli airstrikes.

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.

One year since the ceasefire between the Government of Israel and Hamas, the promised economic improvements for people in Gaza have failed to materialize.

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