Oxfam condemns killing of water engineers in Gaza

Oxfam has strongly condemned the killing of four water engineers and workers from the Khuzaa municipality in Gaza, according to a statement from Oxfam International.

The workers, who were collaborating with Oxfam’s strategic partner, the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU), were killed in a bombing despite their vehicle being clearly marked and their movements coordinated with Israeli authorities.

The four men were traveling east of Khan Younis to conduct urgent repairs on Gaza’s water infrastructure when they were struck by an airstrike.

Oxfam expressed solidarity with CMWU, its partners, and the victims’ families, emphasizing the devastating impact their deaths will have on Gaza’s already fragile water supply system.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with access to clean water critically compromised.

Oxfam also highlighted that dozens of engineers, civil servants, and aid workers have been killed in Israeli airstrikes during the ongoing conflict, many of whom were working on essential services to keep Gaza’s infrastructure functioning.

Despite coordination efforts between CMWU, the Palestinian Water Authority, and Israeli authorities, these workers remain at risk.

“These attacks on civilian infrastructure and those working to maintain it are clear violations of international humanitarian law,” an Oxfam spokesperson said. “Those responsible must be held accountable. Targeting essential workers is part of the crime of using starvation as a weapon of war.”

Oxfam has called for an independent investigation into the killings and reiterated its demands for a ceasefire, an end to arms transfers to Israel, and increased international pressure to hold Israel accountable for its actions against civilians and those delivering life-saving services in Gaza.