Never in Oxfam’s history have we seen a humanitarian crisis like the one in Gaza | Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah

Instead of running relief services, our staff are running for their lives. We need a ceasefire now - for the sakes of both Palestinians and Israelis

• Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah is the chief executive of Oxfam GB

Much hope is being pinned on the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow aid into Gaza from Egypt. But 20 truckloads isn't going to come close to addressing the humanitarian catastrophe we're seeing unfold in this besieged strip of land. Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and other world leaders need to be calling for an immediate ceasefire and for unfettered, safe access for humanitarians to provide relief and repair essential services.

Oxfam has been providing humanitarian relief for people caught up in war for decades. We do this in Somalia, Yemen and Syria, and we have been doing this in Palestine for decades. But what is happening in Gaza today is unprecedented.

Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah is the chief executive of Oxfam GB

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