Press Statement from Oxfam International

Jeremy Hobbs, Executive Director of Oxfam International said :

"While Oxfam has no connection to the Gaza flotilla, we condemn any use of violence and loss of life which occured when the Israeli navy intercepted it at sea. The 1.5 million people of Gaza, most of whom are civilians, have been living under blockade for three years and are in need of sufficient supplies and the relief items on the boats including cement to rebuild homes destroyed during Operation Cast Lead, medical items like wheelchairs and materials to repair the failing water system. This particular incident could have been prevented if Israel and the international community had worked effectively together to lift the blockade of the occupied territory which would provide a structural, long-term solution to the humanitarian needs of the Gazan people. The blockade of Gaza has widely been condemned as collective punishment, which is illegal under international law.”