13 OCT 2023
OXFAM CALLS FOR HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR IN GAZA TO ALLOW ACCESS
Oxfam calls for humanitarian corridor in Gaza and pressure is growing for allowing access. Oxfam is launching a fundraising appeal to provide humanitarian support and food, which is predicted to run out within a week. This follows the recent deadly violence in Israel and Palestine. The tightening siege has cut off all electricity, food, water and fuel to Gaza. Unless aid is let in, food is likely to run out in just seven days. Over 2,000 people have been killed in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since the conflict began, with thousands more injured.
The only source of electricity - including for hospital equipment like life-support machines - is now via generators, with dwindling fuel supplies. Essential water and sanitation infrastructure has been damaged by airstrikes and access to drinking water is limited.
Innocent communities are trapped in Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on earth, with no safe place to escape the Israeli airstrikes. Over 250,000 people have had to leave their homes, more than two-thirds are now crammed into UN schools with little access to drinking water, food or toilets. We urgently need to raise money so that our team can deliver life-saving essentials.
Before the escalation of violence, 8 out of 10 people in Gaza depended on humanitarian assistance, due to the ongoing blockade which is now in its 16th year. While Oxfam and other agencies have had to pause operations due to the ongoing airstrikes, pressure is growing for humanitarian corridors to allow access.
Oxfam is warning that a total siege on Gaza will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe and our statements are as below:
- We condemn all attacks, violence and targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians. Attacks that deliberately target civilians are never justifiable. All parties must respect international law and cease their attacks.
- We call for an immediate ceasefire. Civilians on both sides continue to pay the price for the failure of their leaders to resolve a conflict which has led to the longest occupation in modern history.
- Humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow, in safety, to those people most in need.
Our work includes:
We will provide lives saving essentials as below:
- Clean water, food and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance to affected vulnerable families
- Renovate water supply facility to resume their water supply and hygiene facilities
- Mental Health support
GAZA NEEDS OUR HELP NOW!
Oxfam and other agencies have urged for humanitarian corridors to allow access for delivery saving essentials.
Oxfam has been working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel for over 70 years. We are always on standby to aid innocent civilians.
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About Oxfam
Oxfam is a global organisation committed to creating a world without poverty through its advocacy, development and humanitarian work.
For media enquiries:
Michael Wong
Director of Fundraising and Communications
Tel: (852) 3120 5217
Email: emily.wong@oxfam.org.hk
Vicky Wong
Communications Officer
Tel: (852) 3120 5281
Email: vicky.wong@oxfam.org.hk
