London, March 26 (RHC)-- Oxfam has called on Israel to restore the ceasefire deal and lift its siege on Gaza, saying the total blockade is increasing famine risks for desperate civilians in the coastal enclave.

The British-founded charity also said its operations in Gaza have been severely hampered by Israel’s renewed military assault on the territory, including in vital areas such as food security and livelihood, as well as essential repair work to damaged water infrastructure.

“For the past 535 days, Israel has been systematically weaponizing life-saving aid, inflicting collective punishment upon the population of Gaza,” said Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s policy lead for Palestine.  “The denial of food, water, fuel and electricity is a war crime and a crime against humanity.  Many within the international community are enabling this by their silence, inaction and complicity,” she added.