Riyadh: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Trkiye, Qatar, and Egypt have expressed their deepest concern regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The situation has been exacerbated by severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms, compounded by a lack of sufficient humanitarian access, shortages of essential supplies, and slow entry of materials needed for rehabilitation and temporary housing.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministers emphasized that the severe weather has highlighted the fragility of the existing humanitarian conditions, particularly for nearly 1.9 million people in inadequate shelters. Flooded camps, damaged tents, and building collapses have increased risks to civilian lives, particularly due to disease outbreaks among vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly.
The ministers commended the efforts of United Nations organizations, especially UNRWA, and international NGOs in assisting Palestinian civilians under complex circumstances. They insisted that Israel allow these organizations to operate in Gaza and the West Bank without restriction, given their crucial role in the humanitarian response.
Furthermore, the ministers reaffirmed their support for UNSCR 2803 and President Trump's Comprehensive Plan, emphasizing the need for a sustainable ceasefire and a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. They stressed the urgent need for early recovery efforts, including providing shelter to protect the population from harsh winter conditions.
The ministers urged the international community to pressure Israel to lift constraints on essential supplies and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza. They called for infrastructure rehabilitation, hospital support, and the opening of the Rafah Crossing as stipulated in the Comprehensive Plan.