Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s statement in Israel today - Oxfam response

Responding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s statement in Israel today, Katy Chakrabortty, Oxfam’s head of advocacy said: 

“The Prime Minister is right to call for the safe return of all hostages in Gaza but his failure to call for a ceasefire is wrong. The humanitarian situation within Gaza is now reaching catastrophic levels – with more than 3,000 Palestinians dead, what further evidence does he need that any precautions to protect civilians are not working?  

“Much has been made of yesterday’s announcement that the Rafah crossing will be opened with a total of 20 trucks permitted to enter, yet the aid allowed represents less than a fifth of that Gaza received every day before the crisis.  

“Wanting Israel to ‘win’ is not a helpful statement. Nobody wins when the scale of human suffering, devastation and pain is so vast and relentless. We need all parties to commit to a ceasefire and for full, unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza now.”