UAE, 7 other nations call for urgent aid amid worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The foreign ministers of the UAE, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt have voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, warning that severe and unstable weather conditions have further intensified an already dire situation.

In a joint statement, the ministers said heavy rains and storms have compounded the suffering of civilians, particularly as humanitarian aid remains limited and the entry of essential supplies continues at a slow pace. Shortages of basic, life-saving materials and delays in bringing in resources needed to restore essential services and provide temporary shelter have left many families exposed and vulnerable.

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They noted that the harsh weather has highlighted the fragility of living conditions for nearly 1.9 million displaced people, many of whom are sheltering in inadequate camps. Flooded tents, collapsed or damaged structures, freezing temperatures and widespread malnutrition have significantly increased risks to civilian lives, including the spread of disease. Children, women, the elderly and those with serious medical conditions are among the most vulnerable.

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The ministers praised the efforts of UN agencies — particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) — as well as international humanitarian organisations that continue to operate under extremely challenging conditions. They stressed the need for Israel to allow the UN and international NGOs to work in Gaza and the West Bank in a sustained, predictable and unrestricted manner, noting that any attempt to hinder their operations is unacceptable given their critical role in delivering aid.

They also reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan put forward by US President Donald Trump, expressing their commitment to contributing to its implementation. The ministers said the plan offers a path toward maintaining the ceasefire, ending the war in Gaza, easing long-standing humanitarian suffering and advancing a credible process toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

In this context, they stressed the urgent need to immediately begin and expand 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 uphold 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 aid, clean water, fuel, and support for sanitation services.

They also called for the immediate, full, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, without interference from any party, through the United Nations and its agencies, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals, and the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, as outlined in President Trump’s comprehensive plan.