Complaints over Oxfam’s Gaza advert

The Charity Commission has written to Oxfam over a newspaper advertisement it placed on the plight of Gazans that attracted complaints.

The advert, in the Evening Standard earlier this month, carried the words “Gaza. Trapped” in bold, before going on to say: “The blockade imposed on Gaza by Israel is devastating. It traps people in poverty. And when the bombs fall it leaves no means of escape.”

Saying that both Israelis and Palestinians needs lasting peace, it adds: “This must include a permanent end to violence by both sides, and lifting the blockade.”

The Charity Commission spokesperson insisted it was not investigating the charity but said: “The Commission has received some complaints relating to Oxfam’s recent campaign ad: ‘Gaza. Trapped’.

“We are assessing whether the ad does raise regulatory concern. As part of that we have written to the charity.”