Abu Dhabi, UAE – The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the Arab Republic of Egypt expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. This situation has been exacerbated by severe and unstable weather conditions, including heavy rains and storms. This has coincided with the continued lack of adequate humanitarian access and a critical shortage of essential, life-saving supplies. Furthermore, the delivery of essential materials needed to rehabilitate basic services and construct temporary shelters has been slow.
Gaza’s winter: Fragile conditions kill civilians
The ministers stressed that the severe weather, including torrential rains and storms, has exposed the “complete collapse” of humanitarian infrastructure, flooding camps and damaging tents. This puts children, women, and the elderly at risk of death from the cold or from diseases spreading due to acute malnutrition. The statement also criticized the slow pace of delivering essential materials for the construction of temporary shelters or the rehabilitation of services.
“Trump’s Plan”: The approved path to ending the war
In a significant diplomatic shift, the ministers reaffirmed their full and comprehensive support for the plan presented by US President Donald Trump, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The ministers declared their intention to contribute to the successful implementation of this plan, ensuring a sustainable ceasefire. They also emphasized the need for an immediate end to the war and the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, as stipulated in the Trump plan.
Ensuring a decent life and a political path that leads to self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
A demand to lift restrictions and ensure the operation of UNRWA
The statement stressed the “unacceptability” of any attempt to obstruct the work of the United Nations, particularly UNRWA. It called on Israel to guarantee the unhindered delivery of life-saving aid and supplies. The ministers also urged the international community to pressure Israel to immediately lift the ban on the entry of tents, medical supplies, and fuel.
Early recovery and permanent shelter
The ministers called for the immediate commencement of “early recovery” operations. They stressed the urgent need to provide permanent shelter to protect residents from winter conditions, as well as to begin repairing hospitals and damaged infrastructure in the sector.
