Oxfam: 'Starvation is being used as a weapon in Gaza'

In a statement released by Oxfam, it was noted that since October 9, Israel has tightened restrictions on Gaza, which it was already keeping under blockade.

IT WAS EMPHASIZED THAT ONLY 2 PERCENT OF AID COULD ENTER

The statement, which also shared that the organization analyzed United Nations (UN) data, stated that only 2 percent of the food that entered the region before October 9 has been able to enter Gaza since Israel implemented its total blockade.

''2.2 MILLION PEOPLE ARE IN URGENT NEED OF FOOD''

Noting that while a small amount of food aid has been able to enter, no commercial food imports have been possible in Gaza, the statement said, "As the tension enters its 19th day, 2.2 million people are in urgent need of food. Before the conflict, 104 trucks were entering the blockaded Gaza Strip daily, one every 14 minutes. Although 62 aid trucks have been allowed to enter the south of Gaza via the Rafah Border Crossing since the weekend, only 30 of them were carrying food." the statement read.

Pointing out that this figure corresponds to one truck entering every 3 hours and 12 minutes, the statement also included the assessments of Oxfam's Middle East Regional Director, Sally Abi Khalil.

'THE SITUATION IS GETTING WORSE EVERY DAY'

Describing the situation in the region as "nothing short of horrific," Khalil stated the following:

"Where is humanity? Millions of civilians are being collectively punished before the eyes of the world. There is no justification for using starvation as a weapon of war. World leaders cannot continue to sit and watch what is happening. They must take action, and they must take action right now. The situation is getting worse every day. Children are suffering from severe trauma due to constant bombardment, and the water they drink is contaminated or rationed. Before long, their families may not be able to feed them. How much longer are Gazans expected to endure?"

'IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 3 LITERS OF CLEAN WATER ARE AVAILABLE PER PERSON'

The statement pointed out that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits "the use of starvation as a method of warfare," adding, "As the occupying power in Gaza, Israel is bound by the obligations of international humanitarian law to meet the needs of the Gazan population and protect them."

Recalling that the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2417 in 2018, which unanimously condemned the use of starvation against civilians as a method of warfare and declared the obstruction of humanitarian access a violation of international law, the statement noted: It was stated that it has become painfully clear that the humanitarian situation emerging in Gaza fully aligns with the prohibition condemned in the resolution.

CALLED FOR AN 'IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE'

The statement also noted that the blockade, combined with airstrikes, has paralyzed the fishing industry and that hundreds of people who rely on fishing have lost access to the sea.

In the statement, which calls on the UN Security Council and UN member states to take immediate action to prevent the situation from worsening, it was stated: "(Oxfam) calls for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted and equal access to the entire Gaza Strip for humanitarian aid, and the provision of all necessary food, water, medical, and fuel supplies to meet the needs of the people."

News Source: İHA