A token convoy of five aid trucks does not equal progress, only sustained, accountable access through every crossing will end the impunity that keeps aid from flowing.
“While some aid was allowed into Gaza today, it will only be a trickle amongst a sea of need. For over 70 days Israel has been starving the people of Gaza, depriving them of food, water, medicine and essential supplies while escalating its cruel and indiscriminate bombing campaign. Two million people are on the brink of famine, and they are not just starving, but also traumatised, sick and displaced from their homes.
“The limited entry of aid into Gaza cannot be mistaken for meaningful progress, especially alongside the expansion of Israel's brutal bombing campaign across the Gaza Strip. It is not a turning point, but at best a narrow concession that seems to reflect mounting international pressure.
“Oxfam is also concerned about Israel’s plan to take over aid operations. Instead of restoring access, this emerging system centres on restrictive border crossings, military-controlled corridors, and opaque conditions that exclude local and experienced humanitarian organisations and hinder the impartial delivery of aid."
— Wassem Mushtaha, Oxfam’s Gaza Response Lead.
“We know Ireland has been at the forefront in looking for the EU Israel Association Agreement to be reviewed and in building a coalition of like-minded European countries. We urge the Irish government to maintain the pressure for the EU to use its considerable leverage in terms of trade with Israel to stop the unnecessary killing and starving of the Palestinian people.
“A token convoy of five aid trucks does not equal progress, only sustained, accountable access through every crossing will end the impunity that keeps aid from flowing. This is aid that is ready and waiting on the borders and it is inexcusable to delay its delivery to starving people any longer.
“We must also see an end to the relentless bombing and attacks on Palestinian people, with an urgent and permanent ceasefire, alongside justice and accountability for all.”
— Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland CEO
/ ENDS
Joint donor statement from 25 aid partners published here.
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“While some aid was allowed into Gaza today, it will only be a trickle amongst a sea of need. For over 70 days Israel has been starving the people of Gaza, depriving them of food, water, medicine and essential supplies while escalating its cruel and indiscriminate bombing campaign. Two million people are on the brink of famine, and they are not just starving, but also traumatised, sick and displaced from their homes.
“We know Ireland has been at the forefront in looking for the EU Israel Association Agreement to be reviewed and in building a coalition of like-minded European countries. We urge the Irish government to maintain the pressure for the EU to use its considerable leverage in terms of trade with Israel to stop the unnecessary killing and starving of the Palestinian people.
