“It is very painful,” said Servaes. “Of course it is horrible what happened in Israel. The terrorist acts of Hamas can only be strongly condemned. But it is of no use to you if you collectively punish another population group, which you cannot equate with Hamas, in this way. .”
According to Servaes, that is not human. “It is also contrary to international humanitarian law and I also think it is terribly stupid. Europe is making a fool of itself compared to the rest of the world. If you are in such a situation, in which more than two million people are completely trapped, now is still going to close. Then try again to be a credible political player.”
More difficult contact
It is also becoming increasingly difficult for Oxfam Novib in Gaza, Servaes notes. “We have a group of more than 30 Oxfam employees there, who mainly provide humanitarian aid. This was already necessary before this war, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to contact them because the telephone lines are getting worse and people are constantly on the move. So far everyone is alive.”
It is also becoming increasingly difficult to offer help to the local population, says Servaes. “We are working with a network of local partners to see what we can do with the resources that are still available. But the communities that were dependent on food aid cannot be reached at the moment. We hope that through partners we will be able to do so on a small scale. to be able to do it at scale.”
The big concern is that local supplies of water and food are running out very quickly. “Then it will become even more difficult,” Servaes fears. “Normally, a lot of food aid is already provided. So-called cash vouchers are also used, so that the poorest people in Gaza can get the most basic products at local supermarkets. Once that stock runs out, it is no longer of any use. “
To trust
Even though Hamas is in control, development aid can still be provided. “But it is terribly difficult. We consciously focus on groups that have nothing to do with Hamas. So you should rely on UN organizations, but also on non-governmental organizations such as Oxfam.”