UAE and 7 nations urge urgent action on Gaza humanitarian crisis

Worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza

The ministers noted that the situation has been exacerbated by severe and unstable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms, alongside insufficient humanitarian access, acute shortages of life-saving supplies, and delays in the entry of materials needed to restore basic services and establish temporary housing.

Impact on displaced civilians

They highlighted that the harsh weather has exposed the fragility of humanitarian conditions, particularly affecting nearly 1.9 million displaced people living in inadequate shelters. Flooded camps, damaged tents, collapsing buildings, cold exposure, and malnutrition have significantly increased risks to civilian lives, especially among children, women, the elderly, and medically vulnerable individuals.

Support for UN and humanitarian agencies

The ministers commended the efforts of United Nations agencies, particularly UNRWA, and international humanitarian NGOs for assisting Palestinian civilians under extremely challenging conditions. They demanded that Israel ensure these organisations can operate in Gaza and the West Bank in a sustained, predictable, and unrestricted manner, stressing that any attempt to impede their work is unacceptable.

Support for international resolutions and ceasefire efforts

They reaffirmed full support for UNSCR 2803 and President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan, expressing their commitment to contributing to its implementation to sustain the ceasefire, end the war in Gaza, secure a dignified life for the Palestinian people, and advance a credible path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

Call for early recovery and shelter

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 civilians from severe winter conditions.

Appeal to the international community

They called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and to pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to lift restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential supplies such as tents, shelter materials, medical aid, clean water, fuel, and sanitation support.

Demand for unhindered humanitarian access

The statement urged the immediate, full, and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the UN and its agencies, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals, and the opening of the Rafah Crossing in both directions, as stipulated in President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan.