In a recent press release, UK charity giant Oxfam has issued a dire warning: nearly 7,000 people in Gaza are expected to be killed or injured if Israel’s military offensive continues at its current level during the UK Parliament’s summer recess.
Oxfam’s analysis predicts that over 1,800 individuals, including many children, will lose their lives, and more than 5,000 will be injured within this period.
The statistics are derived from an analysis of both AOAV data and UN reports covering the period from May 8 to July 22, 2024, which show an alarming rate of casualties due to Israeli military actions. Despite these devastating figures, the UK government continues to approve arms sales to Israel, raising serious concerns about complicity in potential war crimes.
As Oxfam reported:
Separate data recorded by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) for 8 May to 22 July 2024 evidenced that in the 75-day period, there were 414 Israeli airstrikes – from jets, drones and helicopters. 399 of which were responsible for 3,544 civilian casualties, killing 1,883 people and injuring 1,661. Over this same period, UN data shows that 4,162 people died, meaning over 45 per cent of people were killed by Israeli airstrikes.
Action On Armed Violence (AOAV) records, investigates and disseminates evidence of armed violence against civilians worldwide, using English-language media reports to capture information on who has been killed and injured by incidents of explosive violence. An AOAV report last year found that English-language media underreports the number of casualties caused by specific incidents of explosive weapons use, capturing only roughly a third of the actual civilian deaths from specific explosive incidents in Gaza.
A Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Oxfam’s findings highlight the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes, responsible for more than 45% of recent fatalities, are using devastating weapons like the Mark 84 bombs, which have a lethal radius of up to 1,100 feet. The destruction of infrastructure, homes, and entire communities has resulted in a catastrophic situation for the two million people trapped in one of the most densely populated areas on the planet.
Halima Begum, Oxfam GB’s chief executive, condemned the UK’s role in facilitating these attacks through arms sales. She called for immediate suspension of all arms sales to Israel, emphasizing the legal obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty and domestic law to prevent the use of UK-manufactured arms in violations of international humanitarian law.
Legal and Humanitarian Imperatives
The call to action is supported by historical precedents, where previous UK governments have imposed restrictions on arms sales to Israel during military offensives. However, these measures have often been circumvented, leading to continued violence and suffering in Gaza.
Oxfam’s report details the destruction of vital water and sanitation infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The organisation, alongside partners like the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and Al Haq, is pursuing legal action to halt the UK’s arms sales to Israel. This case, set to be heard in October, underscores the urgent need for the UK to adhere to international laws and halt any contributions to the ongoing conflict.
AOAV’s Commitment
Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) stands firmly with Oxfam in calling for an immediate end to the UK’s arms sales to Israel. AOAV’s own data corroborates Oxfam’s findings, highlighting the deadly impact of Israeli airstrikes on civilians in Gaza. The humanitarian consequences are profound, and it is imperative that the international community takes decisive action to prevent further loss of life.
Conclusion
The crisis in Gaza demands urgent intervention. The UK government must heed the calls from humanitarian organisations and legal experts to suspend all arms sales to Israel. Only through decisive and ethical action can we hope to mitigate the suffering and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law.
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