GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Fifty-three countries and organizations have called on the Israeli government to immediately allow humanitarian aid into all parts of the Gaza Strip and facilitate its delivery through all available crossings and land routes without restrictions or obstacles, warning that the humanitarian crisis could worsen as winter approaches.
The appeal came in a joint statement read by the United Kingdom’s representative to the United Nations during a press conference outside the UN Security Council on Thursday.
The statement emphasized the urgent need to allow essential supplies into Gaza, including items classified as dual-use, particularly shelter materials, fuel, water and sanitation equipment, and medical supplies.
The countries and organizations also called for the evacuation of patients and wounded Palestinians who cannot receive adequate treatment inside Gaza, urging that they be transferred to hospitals in the occupied West Bank, including Occupied Jerusalem.
They further demanded that border crossings be opened to facilitate the movement of people and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Protection of medical and humanitarian workers
The joint statement stressed the need to protect healthcare and humanitarian personnel, medical facilities, vehicles, and relief supplies in accordance with international humanitarian law.
It also called for prompt and transparent investigations into Israeli attacks targeting medical teams and humanitarian workers.
The signatories demanded that high-level international delegations and journalists be granted access to the Gaza Strip.
They warned that Israeli restrictions on the entry of shelter materials and lifesaving supplies are preventing humanitarian organizations from adequately responding to the population’s growing needs.
UN Security Council aid commitments remain unfulfilled
The statement also highlighted the failure to fully implement the comprehensive plan endorsed by the UN Security Council under Resolution 2803.
According to the statement, the plan called for the immediate entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza at levels no lower than those agreed upon on January 19, 2025.
However, the countries and organizations said these commitments have yet to be implemented as required.
Thousands of Gaza families face winter without adequate shelter
The 53 countries and organizations warned that thousands of families across Gaza remain without adequate shelter as winter approaches, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions.
They highlighted the growing risks of hypothermia, respiratory infections, and waterborne diseases, particularly as restrictions continue to obstruct the delivery of essential humanitarian and medical supplies.
The statement reaffirmed the signatories’ commitment to supporting humanitarian relief efforts and winter preparedness through the provision of shelter, clean water, sanitation supplies, and medical assistance.
It also emphasized support for the Palestinian Authority, in cooperation with the United Nations and humanitarian partners, in restoring essential healthcare services and rehabilitating Gaza’s damaged medical infrastructure.
International Organizations must be allowed to deliver aid
The countries and organizations reiterated the central role of the United Nations and its agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and impartial international humanitarian organizations in delivering assistance to Gaza’s population.
They stressed that humanitarian operations must be facilitated in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803, ensuring that essential aid reaches civilians without unnecessary restrictions or delays.
