Symbolic aid convoy not enough
Oxfam comments on the announcement that Israel will allow a very limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which is inconsistent with humanitarian principles and far from the aid that is really needed. Real humanitarian aid must be allowed in and the EU must suspend the trade agreement with Israel.
Image from January 2025 of the devastation in Rafah City. Photo: Alef Multimedia Company/Oxfam
"Although some aid was allowed into Gaza yesterday, it is only a trickle in a sea of suffering. For over 70 days, Israel has starved the people of Gaza, depriving them of food, water, medicine and essential supplies while escalating its cruel and indiscriminate bombardment. Two million people are on the brink of a famine, and they are not only starving, but also traumatized, sick and displaced from their homes."
Wassem Mushtaha, leader of Oxfam's operation in Gaza.
"The limited influx of aid to Gaza, announced by Israel yesterday, cannot be confused with meaningful progress, especially as it comes at a time when Israel is escalating its attacks on the Gaza Strip. It is not a turning point, but at best a narrow concession that appears to reflect mounting international pressure."
Wassem Mushtaha, leader of Oxfam's operation in Gaza.
"Oxfam is also concerned about Israel's plan to take over aid. Instead of restoring access, Israel wants to see a system focused on restrictive border crossings, military-controlled corridors and non-transparent conditions that exclude local and experienced humanitarian organizations and hinder the impartial delivery of aid."
Wassem Mushtaha, leader of Oxfam's operation in Gaza.
"What is urgently needed is not new barriers on the ground, but the opening of all border crossings to allow a full and proper humanitarian response, providing real access, with safe corridors and respect for international humanitarian law, a call echoed by 22 donor countries including Sweden and the EU, in a joint statement released earlier today. These are factors that we also hope will be the focus of discussions at the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting today, Tuesday, May 20, to address the need to review the EU's trade agreement with Israel, based on its failure to respect human rights and humanitarian law."
Bushra Khalidi, Policy Officer for Oxfam in Palestine and Israel.
"A symbolic aid convoy does not equal progress, only sustained and responsible access through every border crossing will end the impunity that prevents aid from reaching Gaza. We must also see an end to the relentless bombing and attacks on the Palestinian people, with an urgent and permanent ceasefire, along with justice and accountability for all parties."
Bushra Khalidi, Policy Officer for Oxfam in Palestine and Israel.
"It is positive that Sweden no longer stands by, but takes a stand together with other donor countries for the people of Gaza. We expect Sweden to continue to demand that real humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza and that the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality are respected. We expect Sweden to stick to this demand and at the same time continue to put pressure on Israel, not least through economic measures, suspending EU trade agreements and ceasing Swedish arms exports to Israel."
Suzanne Standfast, Secretary General Oxfam Sweden
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