CAIRO – The foreign ministers of eight Arab and Islamic countries expressed concern on Friday over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, calling on Israel to ensure the sustained operation of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations in Gaza and the West Bank.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar stressed that any attempt to impede the operation of these organizations is unacceptable.
They said insufficient humanitarian access, acute shortages of life-saving supplies and delays in the entry of materials needed for basic services and shelters have further aggravated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly for nearly 1.9 million displaced people living in inadequate conditions.
Flooded camps, damaged tents, the collapse of damaged buildings, and exposure to the cold, coupled with malnutrition, have significantly heightened risks to civilian lives, including the threat of disease outbreaks, especially among children, women, the elderly, and individuals with medical vulnerabilities, according to the statement.
The ministers commended the efforts of UN organizations and agencies, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, as well as humanitarian NGOs, in continuing to assist Palestinian civilians and deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely difficult and complex circumstances.
They reaffirmed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and a US peace plan on Gaza, stressing the need to ensure a lasting ceasefire, end the war and advance a credible path toward Palestinian self-determination.
The statement also urged the international community to press for the immediate, full and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals, and the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions.
The joint statement follows Israel's announcement on Thursday that new regulations banning access to Gaza and the West Bank for dozens of aid organizations had come into effect, despite calls from UN agencies and international humanitarian groups to halt the move.
