Crisis in Gaza

Israel’s blockade has meant that the one and a half million people living in Gaza are facing shortages of fuel, electricity, food, medical supplies and water equipment.

Oxfam has launched a joint-agency report calling for an end to the violence from all groups.

The Gaza Strip: A humanitarian implosion

The situation

80 per cent of Gaza’s population are now dependent on food aid and Israel is limiting the amount of food and other humanitarian supplies entering Gaza.

• In depth: Crisis in Gaza interactive map

Supplies of fuel have been cut, severely impairing essential services, and Israel is refusing to allow urgently needed spare parts into Gaza. Because the electricity distribution in Gaza is mostly under voltage, the water and wastewater system is heavily reliant on diesel-powered generators to operate. Restrictions on diesel entering the territory have meant that some water pumps no longer have enough power to provide much needed running water.

Gaza’s economy is being destroyed because it is not being allowed to import raw materials; farmers and businesses are unable to produce and export their goods leaving 70,000 people and their families – nearly half a million people – without an income.

Oxfam's response

Our work to help 67,000 vulnerable people to meet their basic food, water, and hygiene needs is ongoing, despite a widespread lack of fuel.

Food distribution to 5,000 people in three of the poorest population centres has already begun with families being given vouchers to exchange for a food parcel containing items such as chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. Oxfam is buying this produce from local farmers who are unable to export their goods thereby ensuring they are a fair price for their products.

Public health education has started and distributions of hygiene kits to 3,500 households (approx 24,500 people) have also begun in the north of Gaza and in Gaza City.

Some families living in crowded areas are not able to store enough clean water. Oxfam has distributed 740 roof water tanks to those in need, and has provided another 300 back-up tanks to the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU). The water tanks will help about 33,000 people living in Gaza City, Jabalia, and East Rafah make the most of the intermittent water supply.

We continue to call on Israel to immediately return fuel and electricity supplies to their normal levels. Oxfam is working with Palestinians, Israelis and the International Community to bring an end to the human suffering caused by the blockade.

Oxfam International partners working in the Gaza Strip

30 April 2008