World leaders must address the Gaza blockade

Published: 14 November 2008

"World leaders must step up and exercise all their political might to break the blockade of Gaza. As a matter of humanitarian imperative, Israeli leaders must resume supplies into Gaza without further delay. If Israelis and Palestinians alike don’t exert every effort now to maintain the truce which has held since last June, the result could be catastrophic for civilians both in Gaza and in nearby Israeli towns,” said Oxfam International Executive Director Jeremy Hobbs.

"For nearly a year and a half unimpeded access to fuel, food, medicines and essential goods has been routinely denied. Failure of the international community to act decisively will only exacerbate human suffering and could further endanger chances for peace." Hobbs said.

Notes to Editors

Oxfam works with partner organizations in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people. We continue to call for a cessation of violence from both sides, which prevents the proper provision of humanitarian access to civilians.