ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates have expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In a joint statement, the called for urgent international action. The statement said the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has intensified due to severe weather conditions, including continuous rainfall and storms, which have further compounded the suffering of civilians.
It added that insufficient humanitarian aid, acute shortages of basic necessities, and delays in the delivery of materials needed to restore essential services have significantly worsened the situation.
The foreign ministers highlighted that nearly 1.9 million displaced Palestinians are currently living in inadequate temporary shelters. Flooded tents, collapsing damaged buildings, extreme cold, and food shortages have placed civilians, particularly children, women, the elderly, and the sick, at serious risk, raising concerns over the spread of disease.
The joint statement praised the efforts of United Nations agencies, especially UNRWA, and international humanitarian organizations that continue to provide assistance to Palestinians despite extremely challenging conditions.
The ministers demanded that Israel allow uninterrupted, sustained, and secure access for UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations to operate freely in Gaza and the West Bank. Any attempt to obstruct humanitarian operations was described as unacceptable.
Reaffirming support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan, the foreign ministers stressed their commitment to ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire, an end to the war in Gaza, the provision of a dignified life for the Palestinian people, and a credible pathway toward Palestinian statehood and sovereignty.
They also called for the immediate initiation and expansion of recovery efforts, including the provision of durable and dignified shelters to protect civilians from harsh winter conditions.
The statement urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israel, as the occupying power, to lift all restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential supplies into Gaza. These include tents, shelter materials, medical aid, clean water, fuel, and sanitation services.
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