8 Arab and Islamic Countries Express Concern Over the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

SadaNews - Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has worsened due to harsh, severe, and unstable weather conditions, including heavy rains and storms, coinciding with the continued lack of access to sufficient humanitarian aid and a severe shortage of essential life-saving supplies. The slow pace of introducing necessary basic materials for rehabilitating essential services and creating temporary housing further exacerbates the situation.

The ministers emphasized in a joint statement that the harsh weather conditions have exposed the fragility of the existing humanitarian situation, especially for nearly 1.9 million people and displaced families living in unsuitable shelters. The inundated camps, damaged tents, collapsed buildings, and exposure to low temperatures coupled with malnutrition have led to a significant increase in risks threatening civilian lives, including the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly among children, women, the elderly, and those with serious medical conditions.

They praised the tireless efforts of all United Nations organizations and agencies, particularly UNRWA, as well as international non-governmental organizations working in the humanitarian field, to continue assisting Palestinians and providing humanitarian aid under extremely difficult and complex circumstances. They called on Israel to ensure that the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations can operate sustainably, predictably, and without restrictions in Gaza and the West Bank, given the critical role of the UN and international NGOs in the humanitarian response in the sector. They affirmed that any attempt to obstruct their ability to work is unacceptable.

They also reiterated their full support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan proposed by President Trump, as well as their determination to contribute to its successful implementation, ensuring a sustainable ceasefire, ending the war in Gaza, and securing a dignified life for the Palestinian people who have long suffered from severe humanitarian plights, leading to a reliable path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

In this context, they stressed the urgent need for immediate commencement and expansion of early recovery efforts, including providing permanent and dignified shelter to protect the population from harsh winter conditions.

The ministers called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities and pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential supplies, including tents, shelter materials, medical assistance, clean water, fuel, and support for sanitation services.

They also called for humanitarian aid to be introduced into the Gaza Strip immediately, fully, and without obstacles or interference from any party, through the United Nations and its agencies, rehabilitating infrastructure and hospitals, and reopening the Rafah crossing in both directions as stipulated in President Trump's comprehensive plan.