Crisis in Gaza Update

The Israel-Gaza conflict has turned into a major humanitarian crisis. Gaza has been under Israeli blockade for the past seven years, which has devastated the economy, left most people unable to leave, and restricted access to essential services. The current escalation of conflict in Gaza and Israel is having particularly devastating consequences for civilians in Gaza, affecting every aspect of life.

Oxfam urges the international community to do more to push for a lasting ceasefire. Oxfam and our partners in Gaza are trying to respond to the mounting human cost of the escalating violence.

Oxfam Hong Kong is launching an appeal, targeted to raise HK$2,000,000 for our humanitarian works in Gaza. Donate now to help the people of Gaza! 

Latest Situation

• 2,042 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, and more than 10,200 have been injured. 85% are believed to be civilians.
• At least 478 children have been killed, and more than 3,000 children have been injured. At least 1,000 children have been left with permanent disabilities. At least 373,000 children require psychosocial support.  
• 67 Israelis have been killed, almost all soldiers.
• 460,000 people – more than a quarter of Gaza’s population – are currently displaced. Around 300,000 are sheltering in UN schools.
• Around 17,200 homes (where approximately 103,000 people lived) have been completely destroyed or severely damaged to the point of being uninhabitable. Around 225,000 other people have suffered damage to their homes which remain inhabitable.
• Hundreds of thousands of people remain without running water. Only 60-70% of the water networks are now functioning.
• All emergency shelters are now connected to repaired municipal water systems or wells. However, these do not provide enough water to meet the huge needs of so many displaced people. In some areas (eg Rafah and Gaza City), shelters get water for 2 hours every 2 days. Lack of sanitation facilities remains a huge problem in the shelters.
• 22 schools have been completely destroyed. 216 have been damaged. 83 of 156 UN schools in Gaza are now serving as emergency shelters.

Oxfam’s Response

Oxfam has been responding to the crisis, reaching more than 250,000 people since 9th July: 

• Have delivered safe drinking water  to more than 250,000 people in shelters and hospitals
• Have installed generators to pump water to about 40,000 people
• Have provided emergency food vouchers to 13,000 families (about 87,500 people)
• Have supported medical services (through support to a hospital, health centres and mobile clinics) for about 42,000 people
• Have distributed hygiene kits to 1,950 people