A coalition of eight Muslim nations, including Pakistan, has sounded the alarm over the critical plight of nearly 1.9 million displaced people in the Gaza Strip, whose suffering is being severely intensified by harsh winter storms, flooded camps, and a dire shortage of life-saving supplies.
In a joint statement issued today, the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates articulated their “deepest concern” regarding the deteriorating conditions.
The ministers highlighted how heavy rainfall and storms have exposed the fragility of the humanitarian situation, leading to damaged tents, the collapse of precarious buildings, and widespread exposure to cold temperatures.
These severe conditions, combined with malnutrition, have significantly increased the risk of disease outbreaks, posing a grave threat to civilians, especially children, women, the elderly, and individuals with medical vulnerabilities.
The crisis is further compounded by what the statement describes as a continued lack of sufficient humanitarian access and the slow pace at which essential materials for rehabilitation and temporary housing are being permitted entry.
The coalition commended the tireless efforts of United Nations organisations, particularly UNRWA, and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their continued assistance to Palestinian civilians under extremely challenging circumstances.
They demanded that Israel ensure these aid agencies can operate in Gaza and the West Bank in a sustained, predictable, and unrestricted manner, deeming any attempt to impede their ability to operate as “unacceptable.”
Reaffirming their full support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and President Trump”s Comprehensive Plan, the nations stated their intent to contribute to their successful implementation to secure a sustainable ceasefire and an end to the war.
Such measures, they noted, would help secure a dignified life for the Palestinian people and forge a credible pathway towards self-determination and statehood.
In this context, the ministers stressed the urgent need to immediately initiate and scale up early recovery efforts, including the provision of durable and dignified shelter to protect the population.
An urgent call was made to the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israel, as the occupying power, to lift constraints on the entry and distribution of essential supplies.
The statement calls for the immediate, full, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, including tents, shelter materials, medical assistance, clean water, and fuel, through the UN and its agencies. It also urges the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals and the opening of the Rafah Crossing in both directions as stipulated in President Trump”s plan.