In reaction to the UN Security Council’s passing of a watered-down resolution instead of calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Oxfam Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Sally Abi-Khalil said:
“The failure to call for a ceasefire after five days of deliberate delays and dilutions of the resolution is incomprehensible, and utterly callous. It is a profound dereliction of duty from an organisation established to uphold the UN Charter to maintain peace, and protect lives.
“It actively denies over two million Palestinians – many of whom are now starving as a risk of famine looms – respite from the relentless bombardment and siege they have endured for nearly two and half months.
“An immediate and permanent ceasefire is the only way to deliver humanitarian aid at the scale and speed urgently needed, end the horrendous loss of life and ensure the safe return of hostages.
The US's removal of calls to suspend hostilities shows just how out of touch its policies are with the urgency and terror that Palestinians are experiencing. Its actions in the Security Council demonstrate the US's increased isolation from the global consensus."
For interviews, contact Lucy Brown on 0478 190 099 / lucyb@oxfam.org.au
