Gaza's water and sewage systems are a matter of hours from almost total shut down as stocks of fuel to run vital pumps runs out according to international agency Oxfam.
Only 37 of the 122 water supply pumps have fuel and most will run out of fuel within hours. Only six water pumps have fuel to run for more than a day. Oxfam fears the risks of an outbreak of water borne diseases if the water and sanitation system shuts down. According to Gaza's water authority 40 per cent of the population - 600,000 people - is now without running water. The water authority will gradually shut down the system tomorrow (Tuesday 22 January).
"Gaza's water and sanitation system is running on empty. By Tuesday nearly all the pumps will shut down leaving civilians without running water. The risk to public health of a breakdown of the water and sanitation system is real and a massive case for concern. Israel must immediately allow fuel into Gaza to avoid any further civilian suffering. Cutting off water to civilians is both immoral and illegal, no matter what the provocation maybe," said Barbara Stocking, Oxfam's Director.
"The international community has allowed this chronic emergency to deteriorate and has the responsibility to help solve this crisis. Israel must allow these urgently needed supplies into Gaza today," added Stocking.
The water and sewage system was already in danger of breakdown due to on going restrictions of goods into the Gaza Strip. There are severe shortages of spare parts, and other materials necessary for repairs and preventive maintenance. The importation of these has been repeatedly denied access since June 2007.
In March last year the massive Beit Lahia sewage lake burst its banks, drowning five in sewage and sand and swamping the surrounding village. The management of the sewage lake is dependent upon functioning pumps.
For more information contact:
Sarah-Eve Hammond, Oxfam (Jerusalem), +972 5755 38638
Michael Robin Bailey, Oxfam (Jerusalem), +972 5722 33014
Ian Bray, Oxfam (Oxford) +44 (0)7721 461339
About Oxfam International
Oxfam International has been working in Gaza and the West Bank since the 1980s. Along with 12 Palestinian partner organizations in Gaza, Oxfam works in the areas of emergency and primary healthcare, water and sewerage projects, human rights monitoring, workers' rights, refugee rights, women's rights, microfinance, agriculture/food security and others.
Based on Oxfam's first hand experience, we are concerned about the increase in poverty and suffering for Palestinians. Oxfam believes that all people in the Middle East region should be free from violence, coercion and deprivation. Ensuring these basic rights for ordinary women, men and children is fundamental to the success of any peace process. Oxfam believes that Palestinians and Israelis alike have the right to live in peace within secure and recognized borders. Oxfam is against the use of violence against civilians in any form and calls on all parties to protect civilians from harm.
Oxfam International has a rights based approach and its analysis of the Israeli Palestinian conflict and its eventual resolution is rooted in international humanitarian law and human rights principles. Based on these principles, OI seeks a just and lasting solution based of international law, in which both Palestinians and Israelis will enjoy human security and peace. OI believes that the international community has a political, legal and moral responsibility to engage effectively in resolving this conflict. OI also believes in a two state solution.