In the world where the level of development is a frequently used term to measure technological advances and economic success, the ugly results of inequality, injustice, and poverty still seem to leave their shadows. Millions of people still cannot have access to basic rights, such as clean water, education, healthcare, and safety. These ongoing struggles necessitate an international investment in compassion, solidarity, and structural transformation values, which will only gain importance in creating a future in which all people can have an opportunity not only to survive, but also to thrive.
Oxfam is one of the organizations that have this vision, as it is a worldwide community united by the idea of a fairer and more just world. Instead of providing short-term solutions, Oxfam works to eliminate the underlying causes of poverty namely inequality, discrimination and injustice by using long-term sustainable solutions. With the belief that each individual has the right to determine his/her own future, Oxfam collaborates with the communities, partners, and supporters in order to create a radically better future of all.
Gaza on the Brink of Collapse: A Humanitarian Disaster that the World can no longer ignore
The Gaza Strip with a population of more than 2.2 million is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in the history of modern times. More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed and according to the estimates of the health ministry in Gaza, at least 15,000 of them are children, after months of intense bombardment and a full-scale military siege by Israeli forces.
Neighborhoods are being destroyed by airstrikes and over 110,000 people have been seriously injured, some with life-changing wounds. The level of destruction is close to unimaginable with more than 11,000 individuals remaining under rubble. This is not merely statistics, this is the lives of families, students, health workers and children that are being erased.
Demand a ceasefire now and forever- sign the petition to save lives now.
Starvation as a Tactic: The Gaza Famine Is Being Forced Into Being Manmade
All of Gaza is under the immediate danger of famine today. The United Nations has raised the issue severally that all the individuals in the territory are food insecure. By destroying farming land, fishing vessels as well as livestock, Gaza has lost its capacity to feed its own citizens. Oxfam notes that only less than 2 percent of the pre-conflict food deliveries are reaching the population with food prices soaring by more than 500 percent in some locations. Parents are missing meals so that they can feed the children and infants are starving to death. One out of every 6 children below the age of two is already experiencing acute wasting, which is the worst type of malnutrition.
Help them to distribute food to people in Gaza now- donate to Oxfam crisis appeal.
Drowning in Deprivation: The Deliberate Destruction of Gaza’s Water Lifeline
Pure water which is a fundamental human need is a scarce resource in Gaza. More than 90 percent of the water sources in the region have been contaminated to the point of becoming undrinkable and more than 80 percent of water and sanitation systems damaged or destroyed, more than 2 million people are living on less than three liters of water per day, well below the minimum recommended level of 15 liters, set by the World Health Organization.
The matter was aggravated when Israel switched off electricity to the largest desalination plant in Gaza leaving more than half a million citizens without clean water. Hepatitis, jaundice and diarrhoea are some of the diseases that are propagating at alarming rates among children.
A Health System that is in Shambles: The Hospitals in Gaza are Struggling to Treat the Living
The healthcare system in Gaza that was previously weak has completely broken down. Damages have been done to all the hospitals in the strip and most of them have been closed down. More than 70 percent of the hospitals in the region are not operational following attacks, shortage of medical supplies and power. Health workers are working under very high pressure and in some cases are having no anaesthesia or antibiotics.
The health workers have also been killed in large numbers nearing 1,000 and this has made the crisis even more unmanageable. Susceptible populations, including pregnant women, infants, individuals with disabilities, and patients of chronic illness, are put in the lurch. A Khan Younis obstetrician recently reported delivering babies in the flashlight as bombs were falling.
No Safe Haven: Mass Displacement and the Extirpation of Civilian Shelter
Gazans Since October 2023, about 1.9 million Gazans (almost 90 percent of the population) were displaced. People have been taking shelter in makeshift shelters, mosques, and overcrowded UN schools with homes flattened. Yet, even such safe zones are not safe anymore. UNRWA has documented over 180 of its facilities being hit, and killing displaced civilians. UN data also shows that more than 60 per cent of housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged. Families have to relocate many times dragging the injured, elderly, and children on the path of fighting, trying to find temporary protection.
Contribute to Oxfam to offer emergency shelter and supplies.
A History of Occupation and Blockade: How to Make Sense of Gaza Conflict
This crisis does not start in October 2023. Gaza has been under land, air, sea blockade of more than 17 years, which has strangled the economy, denied freedom of movement and destroyed basic services. Israel has been occupying the Palestinian region of Gaza, West Bank, and East Jerusalem since 1967, and this has exposed millions of Palestinians to injustices on a daily basis.
Almost 80 percent of Gazans rely on foreign assistance prior to the current escalation. The blockade has rendered Gaza, according to many human rights professionals, an open-air prison, with youth unemployment rate standing at over 60%, and the access to basic goods continuously blocked or delayed.
Create awareness- Spread the educational materials of Oxfam to create global awareness and action.
Oxfam Lifesaving Mission: Working with the Communities to Dignity and Justice
Oxfam has been present in Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel since 1950s. The organization has over the decades striven to reduce suffering, strengthen the local communities, and promote justice. Oxfam works in Gaza, where it collaborates with local groups to distribute food, hygiene kits, and cash aid and record human rights abuses. Employees have been putting their lives on the line every day so that they can assist families even during bombings and rationing of supplies. One thing unites all their efforts that is the belief that all people should live without fear, poverty and oppression.
Multiply the influence- donate to Oxfam to help in its Gaza relief and advocacy campaigns.
The World Must Act: Measures to a Just and Permanent Peace
The permanent ceasefire and the liberation of all hostages and detainees without trials should be the first step to a long-term solution of the Gaza crisis. Israel should immediately cancel the blockade to enable free access of food, water and medical supplies. The UK and other countries should stop selling arms that cause further suffering of the civilians. The international law must ensure accountability.
The danger of genocide has already been alerted by the International Court of Justice and six legally binding measures have been issued to be followed by Israel. The real peace can be achieved only after the root causes: occupation, displacement, and inequality, are considered.
History Will Judge Them: Stand with Gaza Before the Silence Becomes Complicity
The globe cannot stay insensitive when a whole population is being edged to the brink of extinction. The problem in Gaza is not a geopolitical one only, but a test of humanity. Each hour that passes by sees more lives getting lost and the time to take action becomes limited. The situation on the ground is offered by Oxfam but this is only hopeful when there is international solidarity. Each voice counts. Each step is important. It is high time to support Gaza not in silence but urgently and with sympathy.
Count your voice. Pass the petitions. Spread the news. Give to Oxfam. Make the difference in Gaza.
