Oxfam and aid agencies call for an end to arms transfers

16 global aid organizations are calling on all UN Member States to stop contributing to the crisis in Gaza and prevent more suffering and killing of civilians.

Together with 15 other global aid organizations, Oxfam is calling on the international community to immediately stop all arms supplies to Israel and to armed Palestinian groups, as they risk being used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

The statement says that Gaza is currently the most dangerous place for children, journalists and aid workers, and that hospitals and schools should never become battlefields. Representatives from aid organizations have stated that there is currently no basis for meaningful humanitarian support in Gaza, and the desperate situation will not change until a ceasefire is established.

The 16 organizations call for an immediate ceasefire and urge all states to stop the supply of weapons that can be used to commit violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The UN Security Council must fulfill its responsibility to maintain global peace and security by adopting measures to stop the supply of weapons to the Government of Israel and Palestinian armed groups and prevent access to weapons that could be used to commit international crimes, immediately.

All states have an obligation to prevent atrocity crimes and promote compliance with standards that protect civilians. The international community has long been waiting to live up to these commitments, write the signatory organizations Oxfam, Federation Handicap International, War Child Alliance, Christian Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Médecins du Monde International Network, Mennonite Central Committee, Medico International, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Danish Refugee Council, Save the Children, Plan International, Norwegian Refugee Council, Diakonia, Amnesty International and American Friends Service Committee.