Israel blocking aid to Gaza as Ramadan begins is ‘reckless act of collective punishment’

The international NGO Oxfam has described Israel’s decision to block aid to over two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as Ramadan begins as a “reckless act of collective punishment, explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law.”

As the occupying power, said Oxfam in a press release, the government of Israel has the legal responsibility to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach the population in Gaza.

“Humanitarian aid is not a bargaining chip for applying pressure on parties, but a fundamental right of civilians experiencing urgent need in challenging and life-threatening circumstances,” the NGO pointed out. “When our teams assessed the conditions in Gaza in the wake of the 19 January announcement of a temporary ceasefire, they encountered apocalyptic scenes of complete destruction and famine-like conditions.”

The Palestinians in Gaza, explained Oxfam, are in need of everything: lifesaving water, food, sanitation and other necessities, as well as equipment needed critically for restoration of water and electricity supplies. “The goods that were able to enter during the weeks of ceasefire have brought some relief, but remain a drop in the ocean.”

Given that the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to ensure aid deliveries at scale throughout Gaza, added the NGO, “The international community must apply immediate pressure on Israel to ensure vital aid urgently gets into Gaza.”

READ: PNC slams occupation regime for ‘war crime’ during Ramadan