Starvation Used as a ‘Weapon of War’ in Gaza Amid Israeli Siege: Oxfam

10/26/2023

Oxfam has renewed its call for essential goods to enter the besieged Gaza Strip and said starvation was being used as a “weapon of war” after Israel cut off supplies of food, water, electricity, and fuel to the territory. 

Israel imposed a “complete siege” on Gaza after Hamas fighters launched an attack from Gaza on southern Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people according to Israeli authorities. 

In addition to the siege, Israel has bombarded the territory relentlessly, killing more than 6,600 people, according to authorities in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas. 

United Nations officials have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe and UN agencies and pleaded for Israel to allow more aid trucks into Gaza. Fewer than 70 relief trucks have entered the impoverished territory since the war began. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Oxfam said only “two percent of food that would have been delivered has entered Gaza since the total siege.” 

To overcome the urgent food crisis, Oxfam said about 104 trucks a day would be needed to deliver food to Gaza. 

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