In a distressing report, Oxfam has highlighted the use of starvation as a weapon of war against Gaza’s civilians. The international humanitarian agency analyzed United Nations data, revealing that a mere 2% of the food that should have been delivered to Gaza has entered the region since a total siege was imposed on October 9. This increased blockade followed a series of attacks by Hamas and the taking of Israeli civilian hostages.
As the conflict enters its 19th day, a shocking 2.2 million people are in urgent need of food. Prior to the hostilities, 104 trucks per day would deliver food to the besieged Gaza Strip, equating to one truck every 14 minutes. However, since the weekend, only 62 trucks of aid were allowed to enter southern Gaza via the Rafah crossing, with a mere 30 containing food, and not exclusively. This translates to one truck every three hours and 12 minutes since Saturday.
STARVATION AS A METHOD OF WARFARE
Oxfam strongly condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare, which is strictly prohibited by International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza, is obligated under IHL to provide for the needs and protection of the population. In 2018, the UN Security Council passed resolution 2417, denouncing the use of starvation against civilians as a method of warfare and declaring any denial of humanitarian access a violation of international law. Oxfam argues that the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza aligns with the prohibition denounced in the resolution.
CRITICAL SHORTAGES
Clean water is almost depleted, with only three litters available per person, far below the minimum of 15 litters required for people in acute humanitarian emergencies. Prices for bottled water have surged beyond the reach of the average Gaza family, spiking fivefold in some places.
Food aid, like rice and lentils, has little utility as people lack clean water and fuel to prepare them. Airstrikes have destroyed or damaged several bakeries and supermarkets, with remaining ones struggling to meet the local demand for fresh bread due to shortages of essentials like flour and fuel.
The ongoing electricity blackout has disrupted food supplies by affecting refrigeration, crop irrigation, and crop incubation devices. Over 15,000 farmers have lost their crop production, and 10,000 livestock breeders have limited access to fodder, with many losing their animals.
OXFAM’S CALL FOR URGENT ACTION
Oxfam urgently calls upon the UN Security Council and UN Member States to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. They advocate for an immediate ceasefire, equitable access to the entire Gaza Strip for humanitarian aid, and the provision of essential food, water, medical supplies, and fuel to meet the needs of the population.
The situation in Gaza is dire, and collective action is required to address this humanitarian crisis effectively.