REACTION: Oxfam response to the announcement of a pause in hostilities in Gaza

“It is an enormous relief that even an interim ceasefire has been agreed. This pause in hostilities is beyond overdue. For 15 months Israel has waged a relentless assault on the people of Gaza while its hostages have remained in unlawful detention. Oxfam colleagues and partners have worked around the clock to support over two million people in Gaza who have been systematically deprived of the essentials to live, with food and water being used as weapons of war, schools, hospitals and entire communities being raised to the ground and deliveries of aid constantly withheld.

“With all of Gaza at risk of famine, one of the key priorities must be the immediate and unrestricted flow of life-saving aid to reach those in need, as well as the safe release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.

“The immense suffering Israel has inflicted on Gaza has happened under the watch and protection of world leaders, including the UK. Despite acknowledging that Israeli actions have regularly contravened International Humanitarian Law, the UK Government continued to help fuel the conflict by allowing arms sales. This temporary pause does not negate the UK's legal obligations. It should still immediately suspend all remaining arms licences to Israel given the ongoing risk of IHL being further violated.

“The path to accountability and justice must also start now. All parties must be held to account for any war crimes committed to ensure justice for the victims and to deter future violations.

“It is also crucial that the UK and other world leaders help ensure the ceasefire holds and does not lead to a permanent military presence in defiance of international law or annexation, which would undermine any hope of a fair, meaningful and enduring peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

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For more information, or to arrange an interview with Halima Begum, please contact the Oxfam media team on: media.unit@oxfam.org.uk / 07748 761999