Oxfam’s Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza: Focus on Water, Sanitation, and Sustainable Development Goals

Water and Sanitation Efforts Aligned with SDG 6

Oxfam’s humanitarian assistance program in Gaza prioritizes access to clean water and functioning sanitation systems, essential components of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Staff based in Gaza collaborate with local partner organizations to prevent water-borne diseases such as cholera, which pose severe risks, especially to malnourished populations. The ongoing blockade by the Israeli military since March has exacerbated food insecurity, further endangering vulnerable communities.

Additional Support Services

• Solid waste management
• Mental health and psychosocial support, particularly in displacement sites

These services contribute to broader SDG targets related to health and well-being (SDG 3) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).

Impact of the Siege on Gaza and Human Rights Violations

Blockade Hindering Humanitarian Access and SDG Progress

The total siege imposed by Israel severely compromises humanitarian efforts, violating the rights of civilians and obstructing progress towards multiple SDGs, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Over $2.5 million worth of Oxfam assistance remains outside Gaza due to the aid blockade. Oxfam partners delivered their last food parcel on April 20 and are currently unable to distribute food or essential goods.

Call for Ceasefire and Unhindered Aid Access

Oxfam advocates for:

1. An immediate and permanent ceasefire
2. Unhindered access to vital humanitarian aid
3. Safe return of all hostages
4. Opening of all crossings to enable a full humanitarian response with safe corridors and respect for international humanitarian law

These demands align with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Critique of Current Aid Initiatives

Both the U.S. and Israeli governments support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which delivers limited food aid insufficient to meet the population’s needs. Challenges include:

• Recipients lack fuel and clean water to prepare food
• Food distribution occurs in locations inaccessible to the sick and injured
• Neglect of urgent needs such as shelter and medical assistance
• Hundreds of aid recipients have been shot, killed, or wounded while attempting to access GHF food assistance

Oxfam America’s President and CEO Abby Maxman describes the GHF as a “multimillion-dollar distraction” from addressing the root causes and solutions of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, highlighting the fatal risks involved.

Medical and Sanitation Support at Nasser Medical Complex

Repair and Maintenance of Sanitation Systems Supporting SDG 3 and SDG 6

Oxfam, in partnership with Palestinian Environmental Friends, repaired the sanitation system at Nasser Medical Complex (NMC). Despite being overwhelmed by casualties and shortages of supplies and fuel, NMC continues to provide critical medical care. The ongoing operation of this facility supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Appeal for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Access

Medical staff, including Dr. Farra, urge all parties to establish a ceasefire and call on the international community to:

• Open crossings fully and without restrictions
• Allow entry of all materials necessary for the reconstruction of Gaza

This appeal underscores the importance of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) in rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and ensuring sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article highlights severe food shortages and malnutrition in Gaza due to the blockade and lack of humanitarian assistance.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – References to preventing water-borne diseases, medical care at Nasser Medical Complex, and mental health and psychosocial support indicate health-related concerns.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The focus on access to clean water, functioning sanitation systems, and solid waste management directly relates to this goal.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The call for ceasefire, respect for international humanitarian law, and unhindered access to aid connect to peace and justice issues.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration with partner organizations and international humanitarian efforts reflect the importance of partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition.
2. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: End epidemics of water-borne diseases such as cholera.
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
3. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
   • Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing recycling and safe reuse.
4. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms.
5. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Prevalence of undernourishment and malnutrition rates in Gaza.
   • Number of people receiving food assistance.
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Incidence rate of water-borne diseases such as cholera.
   • Availability and accessibility of medical care (e.g., functioning of Nasser Medical Complex).
   • Provision of mental health and psychosocial support services.
3. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Percentage of population with access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
   • Functionality of sanitation systems and solid waste management services.
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of violent incidents affecting civilians (e.g., shootings at aid recipients).
   • Extent of humanitarian access and aid deliveries.
   • Existence and enforcement of ceasefire agreements.
5. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and local partners.
   • Amount of humanitarian aid delivered through partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: oxfamamerica.org