Written by OXFAM
December 8, 2011

“For the vast majority of people in Gaza, life has
not become any easier, despite pledges by the Government of Israel in
June and December 2010 to ease the ongoing blockade. Not only have
certain commitments gone unfulfilled, but the unacceptably high levels
of poverty and unemployment show that a token number of trucks cannot
deliver what people need to rebuild their shattered lives. Karni
crossing has been locked down, exports over the last year have all but
ceased, and the entry of materials needed to kick start the economy
remain hopelessly delayed. Residents of Gaza do not need more broken
promises, they need meaningful change brought through an end to the
blockade. The International Community can help make this a reality by
living up to its responsibility to Palestinians in Gaza and working with
the government of Israel to ensure the opening of all crossings in
accordance with International Law. The crossings can be equipped with
the technology necessary to handle the free flow of people and goods
while addressing Israel’s security concerns.”

-Jeremy Hobbs, Executive Director, Oxfam

Click here to view the December 2011 Oxfam Gaza fact sheet.