embargo

EU Foreign Ministers failed last night to extend the EU arms embarg

Transfer of weapons to Syria likely to spell further disaster for civilians caught in the crossfire, and fuel deadly arms race

As the impact of days of violent escalation worsens for civilians in Gaza and in Israel, a group of 38 aid and development agencies today urged world leaders to take swift action to enforce a ceasefire in order to protect civilian lives and infrastructure and prevent another widespread humanitarian disaster in Gaza brought on by a prolonged military confrontation.

As Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s brutal crackdown continues, the EU must act swiftly to translate its statements into action, said Amnesty International, Oxfam and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).

Oxfam International warns that households, bakeries and hospitals in Gaza will be left short of cooking gas as the major annual festival of Eid al-Adha begins this Friday, and calls on Israeli authorities to allow in the daily needed quantities.