Our work in Palestine

The population in Palestine is denied basic rights, and more than half live in poverty due to the Israeli occupation. This limits their prospects for a safe and decent future.

In Gaza, the population is trapped, besieged, heavily bombed, and cut off from access to food, water, and adequate medical care. It is the worst humanitarian crisis we have seen at Oxfam. Our work in Palestine therefore focuses both on urgent humanitarian needs and on long-term economic development, with the rights of the Palestinian people as the foundation.

In the West Bank, we support young Palestinians with technical and vocational education so they can get a job and build a future. This strengthens local communities and helps build a strong and resilient Palestine. We also work to strengthen Palestinian organizations in their efforts to document and inform about violations of their rights, with a particular focus on Israeli settlements.

In Gaza, our main priority is to scale up the humanitarian response to meet urgent humanitarian needs. We work with local organizations to deliver emergency aid, including cash-based assistance, food, and basic needs, as well as the restoration of water and sanitation services.

We also strengthen our political work to promote the rights of Palestinians, for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and respect for international law. Additionally, we are urging the Danish government to stop the Danish arms exports to Israel.

The current situation in Gaza right now

What is the situation in Gaza?

Over 1.9 million people have already been internally displaced from their homes according to the UN, and the blockade of Gaza makes it impossible for people to flee, while thousands have lost their lives.

Many have sought shelter in overcrowded UN schools, sleeping on the streets or under makeshift shelters, and there is a shortage of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel, while hundreds share a few toilets and showers. The UN warns that families in Gaza are at great risk of dying or being affected by an outbreak of infectious diseases if conditions do not improve as soon as possible.

Before the escalation, 80 percent of the civilian population in Gaza was already dependent on humanitarian aid to survive.

What is Oxfam doing today?

We are working to help the 2.2 million people currently trapped in Gaza. However, it is not possible to ensure the necessary level of emergency aid because of the missile attacks, bombing and extreme violence. We call for a permanent ceasefire to ensure that our humanitarian assistance can reach those who desperately need it.

In the meantime, our country office and staff members in Gaza are preparing our long-term humanitarian efforts, while we support several of our local partners who are distributing hygiene kits, food kits, first aid packages, toilets, water, clothing, cash, and vouchers.

As soon as possible, we will also repair the water and sewage networks that have been damaged.

Is Oxfam helping both Israel and Palestine?

We provide emergency aid where the humanitarian help is most needed. We do not currently provide humanitarian assistance in Israel, but we collaborate with some Israeli NGOs on human rights projects.

How is Oxfam working in Gaza and the Palestinian territories?

Oxfam has been working in Palestine since the 1950s with various forms of emergency and development efforts and is currently present in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

In Gaza, we provide clean water, rebuild damaged water systems, and improve sanitary facilities in large parts of Gaza. We also support young girls and women with technical training so they can get a job and support themselves. In the West Bank, we also work to help young Palestinian men and women to receive the technical and vocational education that enables them to get a job in the green transition.