New York:Fifty-three countries and international organizations have collectively called for the expedited entry of humanitarian and medical assistance into the Gaza Strip. This urgent appeal comes amidst warnings of worsening humanitarian and health conditions as winter approaches, compounded by a severe shortage of shelter and essential supplies.
According to Maan News Agency, the State of Palestine's mission to the United Nations disseminated a statement via the 'X' platform, highlighting the joint appeal initiated by Britain, Qatar, and Jordan. The statement underlined the UN Security Council's Resolution 2803, which mandates the immediate and comprehensive delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza at levels agreed upon as of January 19, 2025—a commitment that remains unmet.
The statement expressed concern over the lack of adequate shelter for many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, increasing their vulnerability to hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases, and other preventable illnesses. It pointed out that restrictions on the importation of shelter supplies and life-saving materials are obstructing humanitarian organizations from addressing the growing needs in the area.
The coalition of countries and organizations urged the incoming Israeli government to permit the swift and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid into all regions of Gaza through all available crossings and land routes. They stressed the importance of ensuring the operational status of the Egyptian and Jordanian humanitarian corridors and advocated for the entry of more essential goods, including those classified by Israel as dual-use, such as shelter supplies, fuel, water, sanitation, and medical materials.
Moreover, the statement called for the restoration of medical referral processes to hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank for patients requiring treatment unavailable in Gaza. It emphasized the necessity of protecting health personnel, facilities, and medical transport in compliance with international humanitarian law, safeguarding humanitarian sites, and conducting transparent criminal investigations into attacks on health and humanitarian workers.
The participating nations also demanded that high-level international delegations and journalists be granted access to the Gaza Strip. In support of these efforts, the countries committed to providing urgent humanitarian supplies, including those for winter preparedness, aiming to alleviate the population's suffering and mitigate health risks.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the importance of supporting the Palestinian Authority and collaborating with the National Transitional Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the United Nations, and humanitarian partners to restore essential health services and rehabilitate health infrastructure. It highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and other neutral international humanitarian organizations in delivering aid to the region, in line with Security Council Resolution 2803.