Oxfam has strongly condemned the recent killing of four water engineers in Gaza, warning that their deaths will exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The engineers were targeted while working on vital services to maintain Gaza's fragile infrastructure, in collaboration with Oxfam's local partner.
The tragic incident occurred as the engineers were en route to conduct repairs on water infrastructure in Khuzaa, east of Khan Younis. Despite having coordinated their movements with Israeli authorities and clearly marking their vehicle, they were bombed, leading to their untimely deaths.
Oxfam has expressed deep concern over the targeting of essential workers in Gaza, citing previous instances where engineers, civil servants, and humanitarian workers have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. The organization emphasized that such attacks on civilian infrastructure and personnel are clear violations of international humanitarian law.
In response to this appalling act, Oxfam has called for an independent investigation into the killing of the four engineers and other similar attacks on essential workers in Gaza. The charity stressed the urgent need to uphold the protection of humanitarian workers and ensure accountability for such violations.
The situation in Gaza is further compounded by severe restrictions on aid and fuel shortages, which have severely impacted the supply of clean water in the region. Of particular concern is the northern part of Gaza, which has faced significant challenges in receiving essential deliveries since the beginning of the month.