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Israel’s Siege Blocks 83% of Food Aid, New Data Reveals

15 aid organisations demand international pressure for an immediate ceasefire, arms embargo, and end to Israel’s systematic aid obstruction 

New data has revealed the scale of aid obstruction, and the consequential drastic fall in aid entering Gaza. This is driving a humanitarian disaster, with the entire population of Gaza facing hunger and disease, and almost half a million at risk of starvation.  

While Israeli military attacks on Gaza intensify, lifesaving food, medicine, medical supplies, fuel, and tents have been systematically blocked from entering for almost a year.  

Data analysis by organisations working in Gaza has found that as a consequence of the Israeli government’s obstruction of aid:   

  • 83% of required food aid does not make it into Gaza, up from 34% in 2023.This reduction means people in Gaza have gone from having an average of two meals a day to just one meal every other day. An estimated 50,000 children aged between 6-59 months urgently require treatment for malnutrition by the end of the year. 
  • 65% of the insulin required and half of the required blood supply are not available in Gaza.  
  • Availability of hygiene items has dropped to 15% of the amount available in September 2023. One million women are now going without the hygiene supplies they need.  

A record low average of 69 aid trucks per day entered Gaza in August 2024, compared to 500 per working day last year; which was already not enough to meet people’s needs. In August more than 1 million people did not receive any food rations in southern and central Gaza.  

Now, only 17 out of 36 hospitals remain partially functional. Critical infrastructure such as water networks, sanitation facilities and bread mills have been razed to the ground.  

While humanitarian needs are ever increasing, agencies have detailed six main ways their life-saving aid is systematically obstructed on a daily basis. 

These include the denial of safety, with more than 40,000 Palestinians and nearly 300 aid workers killed since last October; the sharp tightening of a 17-year blockade to a full siege, which prevents aid from entering Gaza; delays and denials which restrict the movement of aid around Gaza; tightly restrictive and unpredictable control of imports; the destruction of public infrastructure such as schools and hospitals; and the displacement of civilians and humanitarian workers (witnessed again in recent displacement orders from the so-called “humanitarian zone” in Deir el-Balah.) 

Ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York this week, aid agencies are calling on governments to demand Israel end aid obstruction and to: 

  • Secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.  
  • Implement an arms embargo and end the export of weapons and military equipment that risk being used in violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.  
  • Demand compliance with the International Court of Justice’s findings and recommendations, an end to the Israeli government’s siege of Gaza, and heed the call of the ICJ in its advisory opinion to end the occupation of Palestinian territory.  

Jolien Veldwijik, CARE Country Director in the West Bank and Gaza, said:  

“The situation was intolerable long before last October’s escalation and is beyond catastrophic now. Over 11 months, we have reached shocking levels of conflict, displacement, disease and hunger. Yet, aid is still not getting in, and humanitarian workers are risking their lives to do their jobs while attacks and violations of international law intensify. Aid, which is urgently required for 2.2 million people at risk of dying in the coming weeks and months, should never be politicised. We demand an immediate and sustained ceasefire, and the free flow of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza.”  

Amjad Al Shawa, the director of the Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO), an umbrella organisation of 30 Palestinian NGOs and a partner of ActionAid, said: 

 “There is a shortage of all humanitarian items. We are overwhelmed [with] these needs and [these] urgent requirements…People [are] starving due to the shortage of aid…100% of the population depend on humanitarian aid…It’s the worst situation that we [witnessed] during …. the Israel war in Gaza.” 

ENDS  

Notes to editors 

  • A quote pack from people affected by aid obstruction in Gaza 
  • Spokespeople including aid workers on the ground, medical professionals, and humanitarian sector leaders are available for comment and interview on request. 
  • For broadcasters: footage from Gaza is available on request.  

Signed on: 

  1. CARE International 
  2. Save the Children 
  3. ActionAid 
  4. Christian Aid 
  5. War Child 
  6. Islamic Relief 
  7. HelpAge International  
  8. American Friends Service Committee 
  9. Oxfam 
  10. DanChurchAid 
  11. Norwegian Church Aid 
  12. Mennonite Central Committee 
  13. Danish Refugee Council 
  14. Norwegian Refugee Council 
  15. KinderUSA 

 

Oxfam and partners at UNGA79

Oxfam leaders, experts, and partners are joining the UN 79th General Assembly, Summit of the Future, and Climate Action week in New York, hosting and attending events focused on UN Security Council Reform, gender, digital rights, inequality, climate action, and humanitarian issues. They will be urging global leaders to take bold decisions and action as they deliberate the pressing issues of our time.   

This year’s theme is “leaving no one behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.” 

 
Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar said:  

“Our global systems have failed to address the unprecedented challenges we face today, leaving millions behind. Conflict is rampant, the climate crisis is at a breaking point, and inequality is soaring. As we gather at this year’s Assembly, leaders cannot squander the opportunity to restore people’s faith in the UN’s role as the flagbearer for global peace, security, and cooperation. They must move beyond mere rhetoric and make bold choices to create a system that serves all of humanity, not just the powerful few.” 

 
An overview of Oxfam’s key events, including a press conference on a report on UN Security Council Reform, media spokespeople, and products: 

 
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM OXFAM’S AGENDA (all times in EST) : 

Thursday, September 19: Oxfam will publish a report titled,“Vetoing Humanity,” which highlights how the five UN Security Council Permanent Member States’ (P5) have abused the veto and negotiating powers in their own geopolitical interests; and how they have paralyzed the Council’s ability to maintain international peace and security or mitigate prolonged conflicts and human suffering. 

At 8:30am, Oxfam will be hosting a photo call at an art installation in Tudor City outside the UN, featuring a large dove shackled to a “veto” weight, signifying how the Security Council veto has restrained efforts for global peace. Brooklyn-based artist Miles Giordani built the installation with Oxfam.  

At 11:00 am, Oxfam will also hold a press conference on the “Vetoing Humanity” report in the UN Correspondents Association briefing room. 

At 5:30pm, Oxfam and other civil society organizations will be hosting a media happy hour for a chance for experts and journalists to connect. Media can RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unga-media-civil-society-happy-hour-tickets-1009525918197 

Saturday, September 21: Oxfam and partners will host a Summit of the Future Action Days Official Side Event on “Reforming the UN Security Council for an Equal and Sustainable Future” at the UN Headquarters.  Speakers will include Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director; Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of the New America; Ambassador Lazalous Kapambwe former Zambia Permanent Representative to the UN and 67th President of UN ECOSOC; Wameedh Shakir, Founder and Chairperson of Itar Foundation in Yemen; Augusto Lopez-Claros, Executive Director and Chair – Global Governance Forum and Ishaan Shah co-founded Stolen Dreams. Register to participate or watch the Livestream here: Reforming the UN Security Council for an Equal and Sustainable Future (Side Event, Action Day 2, Summit of the Future) | UN Web TV 

 

Monday, September 23: Oxfam will publish “Multilateralism in an Era of Global Oligarchy: How Extreme Inequality Undermines International Cooperation,” a report highlighting how ultrawealthy individuals — often enabled by the richest countries — exert disproportionate influence over policy decision. The paper proposes the solutions needed for progress and provides new global data prepared for UNGA. On Thursday, September 26, a joint event with the Ford Foundation will outline key aspects the report; the panelists will include: Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar; Ronald Lamola, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Nanjala Nyabola, Kenyan writer, researcher, and political analyst; moderated by The Washington Post’s Karen Attiah. 

 
Reactive Statements: 

Oxfam will be making statements regarding Summit of the Future outcomes, Heads of State Speeches during the High-Level Debate and other developments throughout. 

 
OXFAM SPOKESPEOPLE: 

  • Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International, Executive Director: Sustainable Development Goals, UN Reform, Inequality, Climate, Democracy, Human Rights, war in Gaza 
  • Abby Maxman, Oxfam America President and CEO: Sustainable Development Goals, Inequality, Humanitarian Issues 
  • Lebogang Ramafoko, Oxfam South Africa Executive Director: Summit of the Future, Climate and Inequality 
  • Brenda Mofya, Head of Oxfam New York Office: Sustainable Development Goals, The Summit of the Future, Humanitarian Issues  
  • Dr. Tawanda Mutasah, Oxfam America Vice President of Global Partnerships and Impact: Sustainable Development Goals, UN Reform 
  • Ashfaq Khalfan, Oxfam America Director of Climate Justice: U.S. position and context on climate issues in UN agenda, Climate and Inequality, Future Generations 
  • Nabil Ahmed, Oxfam America Director of Economic and Racial Justice: Economic/Wealth Inequality, Progressive Taxation, Corporate Power, Multilateralism 
  • Pauline Chetcuti, Oxfam International Head of Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigns; Humanitarian and Climate Financing, Humanitarian Issues 
  • Neal McCarthy, Oxfam America Associate Director of Digital in Program: Summit of the Future Digital Compact  
  • Rebecca Shadwick, Oxfam International Gender Rights & Justice Policy & Advocacy Lead: Gender Justice and Rights in the Summit of the Future 
  • Abdulwasea Mohammed, Oxfam in Yemen Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns Lead; Yemen, Inclusive Peace and Security 

Partners:  

  • Marinel Ubaldo, Climate Activist from the Philippines; Climate and Youth Activism 
  • Hilda Nakabuye, Climate Activist from Uganda: Climate and Youth Activism 
  • Wameedh Shakir, Chairwoman of Itar Foundation for Social Development in Yemen; Yemen, Gender, UN Reform 

 
FULL LIST OF EVENTS AND MEDIA PRODUCTS: 

Wednesday, September 18: 

YEMEN JOINT NGO BRIEFING NOTE: Humanitarian Situation and Funding in Yemen on the Occasion of the 79th United Nations General Assembly 

Thursday, September 19: 

OXFAM REPORT + PRESS CONFERENCE + PHOTO CALL: Oxfam is publishing the report “Vetoing Humanity: How a few powerful nations hijacked global peace and why reform is needed at the UN Security Council.” 

Embargoed press release and report 

Public press release and report (links will go live at 00:01 EST) 

As detailed above, Oxfam will be presenting the report at a press conference and presenting a temporary art installation featuring a dove of peace shackled by the weight of the veto by Brooklyn-based artist Miles Giordani. 

 

OXFAM JOINT CIVIL SOCIETY MEDIA HAPPY HOUR: Oxfam and civil society partners are hosting a happy hour to connect policy experts with media. Media RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unga-media-civil-society-happy-hour-tickets-1009525918197 
TIME: 5:30-8:30pm 
LOCATION: The Stag’s Head, 252 E 51st Street (at 2nd Avenue) 

 
Friday, September 20: 

FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE + OXFAM EVENT: Youth Climate Strike: Tear Down the Pillars of Fossil Fuels. Oxfam staff and partners will take part; Climate activist Hilda Nakabuye will speak at the rally 
TIME: 2:00-4:00pm 
LOCATION: Meet at Foley Square, RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/youth-climate-strike-tear-down-the-pillars-of-fossil-fuels-2  
 
OXFAM + TRUST AFRICA EVENT: African Civil Society Dialogue on the Summit of the Future 
LOCATION: Jay Suites – Fifth Avenue, 15 W 38th Street  
Note: This event continues to September 21. For more information contact Gail Smith ([email protected]). 
 
Saturday, September 21: 

OXFAM SIDE EVENT: Summit of the Future – “Transforming Economies beyond GDP: towards a caring and feminist future with people, wellbeing and planet at the center.” 
TIME: 9:00-10:45am 
LOCATION: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pmurQXRqTlqJFa4Ysp_AFA  

OXFAM EVENT: “Connecting the Global North and South in fulfilling existing legal obligations on climate finance, including loss and damage” 
TIME: 11:00am-12:30pm 
LOCATION: Oxfam NY Office, 369 Lexington Avenue 
Note: For more information contact Karelia Pallan ([email protected]) 

OXFAM + IMPACT COALITION ON AI EVENT: Oxfam’s Neal McCarthy will be speaking on the Panel on AI & Technology Governance”  
TIME: 4:00-5:15pm 
LOCATION: UNHQ – CR12 
 
Monday, September 23: 

OXFAM REPORT: “Multilateralism in an Era of Global Oligarchy” will outline how extreme economic inequality undermines multilateral efforts to effectively respond to critical global challenges like global taxation, health, and debt and proposes the solutions needed for progress. The paper provides new global data prepared for UNGA. 

OXFAM STATEMENT: Oxfam will issue a media reaction to the Pact of the Future and Summit of the Future outcomes 

OXFAM STATEMENT: Oxfam will issue a statement ahead of President Biden’s address at the General Debate  

Tuesday, September 24: 

OXFAM EVENT: “Building Global Consensus for Justice in Mining for the Energy Transition: Can the UN Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) Panel lead the way?” RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/un-panel-on-critical-energy-transition-minerals-toward-the-change-we-need-tickets-999360422927 
TIME: 3:00-4:30pm 
LOCATION: Oxfam NY Office – Sinatra Room (2nd Floor), 15 W 38th Street  
 
Wednesday, September 25: 

OXFAM SPEAKING ON DEVEX PANEL: “Food as a weapon in the new age of starvation.” Oxfam in Yemen’s Abdulwasea Mohammed, Advocacy, Policy and Media Lead, will speak about the food security crisis in Yemen 
TIME: 10:25-11:00am 
LOCATION: In-person in New York and online at https://pages.devex.com/devex-at-unga-79.html 
 
Thursday, September 26: 

OXFAM + FORD FOUNDATION EVENT: “Multilateralism in an Era of Oligarchy” will explore how extreme economic inequality undermines multilateral efforts to effectively respond to critical global challenges like global taxation, health, and debt; Oxfam panelists will be moderated by The Washington Post’s Karen Attiah. 
TIME: 12:30-2:30pm 
LOCATION: Ford Foundation, 320 E 43rd Street 
Note: Please contact Shelby Bolen ([email protected]) to be added to the RSVP list. 
 
ABOUT OXFAM 

Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice and will highlight the urgent need in tackling the intersections of rising inequality, humanitarian emergencies, and the climate crisis. 

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

For any media requests or for more information on anything below, please reach out to Lauren Hartnett at [email protected] and +1 203-247-3920 or Nesrine Aly at [email protected] or +44 750 398 9838 (WhatsApp only). 

To keep up with the Oxfam delegation’s activities, follow @Oxfam 

Oxfam Celebrates the Final Trailwalker event in New Zealand

Since 2006, over 21,000 New Zealanders have taken part in this incredible endurance team event while fundraising for Oxfam Aotearoa. 

The final Trailwalker event was held at the end of March 2024 in New Plymouth, and successfully raised more than $505,000 NZD . 

These vital funds support Oxfam’s work throughout the Pacific, including water projects in Papua New Guinea that help make sure girls can stay in school, and climate change adaptation projects in Solomon Islands that help support families whose homes and livelihoods are being destroyed by rising seas.  

Ange Janse van Rensburg, Oxfam Aotearoa’s Head of Public Fundraising completed the 100km walk in 2015 and again in 2018. She said, “I have been privileged to walk and help deliver this iconic event and it is among some of the best things I have ever done. We are proud of this event’s achievement toward supporting communities and families in the Pacific and worldwide and are thankful to the incredible participants who made this happen.” 

Some first-time walkers jumped at this last chance to be a part of this legendary event, while others who have done several Trailwalkers in the past, felt drawn to celebrate alongside so many volunteers and staff who have completed five, ten, even fifteen events over the years. The City Girls, a team of four women from Putāraru, Tīrau, Whitianga and Auckland walked in the first event in 2006, and completed the 25km distance this year. They estimate they have raised close to $50,000 for Oxfam over the years, and were honoured for their contributions at the final prize-giving ceremony.  

Walkers in this final event said they felt proud to participate in the good work that Oxfam does around the world, “we’re a little tiny piece of that, but that’s good enough for us!” 

While the event may be over, Oxfam’s incredible work throughout the Pacific continues. Anyone who would like to keep up with Oxfam’s updates is encouraged to visit https://www.oxfam.org.nz/newsletter-sign-up/ 

Oxfam Aotearoa’s Executive Director, Jason Myers, added “We are beyond grateful for Aotearoa’s support of this event over the past 18 years. This final event was an incredible celebration of all the hard work, dedication, and kilometres put in that has gotten us to where we are today.” 

Amitabh Behar appointed as interim Executive Director of Oxfam International

Oxfam International is pleased to announce the appointment of Amitabh Behar as its new interim Executive Director. Behar is currently Executive Director for Oxfam India. He will assume the role for approximately 12 months, starting on 1 May 2023. 

Behar said that he is “honoured and delighted to take up this role” and eager to “work alongside Oxfam’s partners and allies around the world to fight for climate justice, tackle inequality in all its forms, and save, protect and rebuild lives when disaster strikes.” 

Behar, who has made valuable contributions to Oxfam’s global transformation process that has seen the confederation become more aligned and globally balanced since joining Oxfam India in 2018, brings a wealth of leadership experience as a civil society leader. He has been widely recognized for his work on people-centric advocacy, governance accountability, social and economic equality, and citizen participation. Prior to Oxfam, Behar was the Executive Director of the National Foundation for India and Co-Chair of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. He has also served as the Vice-Chair of the Board of CIVICUS and Board Chair of Amnesty International India. He currently serves on the boards of several other organisations, including the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability, an Indian public policy think-tank. 

Gabriela Bucher is joining The Fund for Global Human Rights on 31 April. Bucher congratulated Behar on his appointment and said she would begin immediately to work closely with him to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Oxfam International’s Board of Supervisors is profoundly grateful to Bucher for her leadership and wishes her the very best as she moves on to new challenges. 

Oxfam reaction to IPCC’s Synthesis Report

Responding to the publication today of the IPCC’s Synthesis Report (SYR), Oxfam’s Climate Justice Lead Nick Henry said:

“This is, literally, the last chapter. The science shows that limiting global heating to 1.5°C is still possible —but only just. Unless we pull the emergency brake on deadly carbon pollution, ‘unheard-of’ heatwaves, storms, droughts and floods will continue to become more frequent and hit more places and people. People living in poverty are bearing the brunt of these climate-induced crises, including mass hunger happening now in Eastern Africa, with a rise of just 1.1°C.

“It’s outrageous that after six massive IPCC reports, 27 climate change conferences, eight hottest years on record, and multiple one-in-one-hundred year extreme weather events —with emissions still rising— governments continue to encourage the oil and gas industry to drill deeper and wider for fossil fuels. More than 600 fossil fuel lobbyists were at COP27 and an oil boss will lead the next climate talks in Dubai.

“Oil giants raked in record profits in 2022. They are extracting these riches from a stricken planet. Their statements of ecological concern ring hollow. If governments had clawed back the massive profits that oil and gas producers funneled to their rich shareholders last year, they could have increased global investments in renewable energy by nearly one-third.

“We can tackle the climate crisis and end poverty. This is not an either-or. If the richest 1 percent stopped squandering so much carbon on private jets, big polluting cars and investments in fossil fuels, the poorest half of humanity could grow their tiny carbon footprints to get their basic needs met.

“To stay within the 1.5°C guardrail, every person on Earth would need to stay below an average of 2.2 tons of CO2 emissions per year by 2030. The richest 1 percent exhaust this remaining ‘carbon budget’ in just 12 days each year, while the poorest 50 percent of humanity emits less than half over an entire year. This inequality is absolutely ridiculous.

“There’s only a sliver of a chance of limiting heating to 1.5°C but we can’t throw in the towel. Every fraction of a degree of heating prevented will be counted in millions of lives saved. Even a half-degree could make it much more difficult to grow crops, raise animals and catch fish.

“We need funds for climate action and deep cuts to emissions —not just by the richest countries, but also by the wealthiest individuals and corporations. Rich countries are most responsible for the climate crisis and must pay their debt to poorer countries by providing sufficient money for adaption, shifting to renewable energy, and addressing loss and damage. There is neither enough time nor carbon left for empty pledges and false solutions like carbon capture and storage. Endless adaptation to climate change is not possible —we need a fast and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels. Otherwise, a catastrophe for people in every country will be just around the corner, and it will be painful.”


Notes

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the past eight years were the warmest on record globally, fueled by ever-rising greenhouse gas concentrations and accumulated heat.

At least 363 fossil fuel lobbyists were granted access to COP27.

Big Oil more than doubled its profits in 2022 to US$219 billion, more than the GDP of many countries. According to Janus Henderson Investors, the dividends of oil and gas producers totaled US$151.8 billion in 2022. The IEA reports that $472 billion was invested in renewable power in 2022. (151.8/472)*100 equals 32.2 percent.

Keeping to 1.5°C would require limiting emissions to 17Gt of CO2. Divided equally among the global population, this is approximately 2.2 tons per person. The richest 1 percent will emit this amount of carbon in 12 days, the richest 10 percent in slightly over a month, and the poorest half of humanity will emit less than half over an entire year. These calculations are based on analysis published in Oxfam’s “Carbon Inequality in 2030” briefing note in 2021. Oxfam will publish new research on carbon inequality in 2023.

Oxfam’s research found that the investments of just 125 billionaires emit 393 million tons of CO2e each year —the equivalent of France— at an individual annual average that is a million times higher than someone in the bottom 90 percent of humanity.

According to the World Inequality Lab, eradicating global poverty below US$5.50 would entail an increase in carbon emissions of approximately 18 percent. This is roughly equivalent to the emissions of the richest 1 percent (15 percent between 1990 and 2015).

Oxfam raises fresh concerns for Türkiye earthquake survivors as torrential rains and flooding batter devastated region

Survivors of last month’s devastating earthquakes in southern Turkiye have been dealt a fresh blow as heavy rains and severe flooding hit the region, with further downpours forecast in the coming hours.  

At least five people have been killed so far and at least five others are reported missing, with the provinces of Sanliurfa and Adiyaman badly impacted. 

Footage shows city streets in Sanliurfa turned into fast-flowing rivers, with cars and other debris being swept away, and people being rescued from the floodwaters.  

Thousands of people who have been living in tents since February’s earthquakes have also been affected with reports some have been evacuated. A hospital’s emergency department was inundated as well as many homes and businesses, and schools were closed. 

The General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange alert for a possible extreme downpour in the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Şanlıurfa, Kilis, Gaziantep, Adıyaman, Malatya, Elazığ, Diyarbakır and Mardin, most of which were also badly impacted by the earthquakes, which killed more than 50,000 people. 

Oxfam KEDV’s Deputy Executive Director Didem Demircan said the situation was incredibly difficult for many people who had already lost everything in the last disaster. 

“The situation is extremely dire. Flooding is not unusual in this area, but to have this come in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes is compounding the suffering of those still struggling to come to terms with the first disaster and its impact on their lives. 

“As well as the tragedy of more lives lost, roads have been blocked again limiting access, dams are overflowing and large amounts of agricultural farmland have been impacted, with some harvests likely to have been lost.  

“Floodwaters and stagnant water also increase the risk of further contamination of drinking water supplies, which were already threatened by heavy infrastructure damage, and measures must be taken to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases. 

“People impacted by this flooding will be in need of food, drinking water, sanitation and shelter, as well as furniture and bedding. Women will require extra support as risks to their safety always increase in disasters.” 

Oxfam is already responding to last month’s earthquakes and has been working with the National Disaster Response Platform and a network of women’s cooperatives to facilitate the distribution of food, drinking water, temporary shelter, blankets, sanitary kits and power banks. Community kitchens have also been established in various locations, including in Sanliurfa.