Pakistan and seven Muslim states warn of ‘humanitarian collapse’ in battered enclave
Palestinians gather at a food distribution point in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on May 21, 2025, as Israel allows a limited amount of aid to enter the enclave. PHOTO: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and seven key Muslim countries on Friday expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, warning that harsh winter conditions combined with severe restrictions on access to aid have pushed nearly two million displaced Palestinians to the brink of disaster.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said heavy rains, storms and falling temperatures have further exposed the fragility of already devastated humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The ministers noted that around 1.9 million displaced people, many living in makeshift tents and damaged structures, now face flooded camps, collapsing buildings, severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel, as well as increased risks of disease outbreaks, particularly among children, women, the elderly and those with medical vulnerabilities.
They warned that exposure to the cold, combined with widespread malnutrition, has significantly increased threats to civilian lives at a time when humanitarian access remains largely insufficient and the entry of essential materials for basic services and temporary housing continues at a slow pace.
The joint statement strongly welcomed the efforts of UN agencies, particularly UNRWA, as well as international humanitarian organizations, to continue relief operations in what it described as “extremely difficult and complex circumstances”.
The ministers demanded that Israel allow the UN and international NGOs to operate in Gaza and the West Bank in a sustainable, predictable and unrestricted manner, stressing that any attempt to hinder their work is unacceptable.
The eight countries reaffirmed their support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Gaza Peace Plan, expressing their willingness to contribute to its successful implementation.
They said the plan provides a framework to maintain the ceasefire, end the war in Gaza and pave the way for a dignified life for Palestinians, ultimately leading to self-determination and statehood.
However, diplomatic sources say that while these countries support the overall peace framework in Gaza, they have reservations on certain political aspects, particularly those related to reconstruction timelines, long-term governance arrangements in Gaza and guarantees of unhindered humanitarian access, deployment of an international stabilization force, issues which they say require more clarity and international consensus.
The ministers stressed the urgent need to immediately launch and scale up early recovery efforts, including the provision of durable and dignified shelter to protect civilians from harsh winter conditions.
Calling on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities, the statement called for pressure on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift restrictions on entry and distribution of essential supplies, including tents, shelter equipment, medical aid, drinking water, fuel and sanitation facilities.
They also called for immediate, full and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza through UN channels, the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and hospitals, and the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, in accordance with President Trump’s plan.
The statement comes as Gaza faces one of its worst winters in decades, with humanitarian agencies warning that without rapid intervention, thousands of civilians could find themselves in life-threatening conditions in the coming weeks, despite the fragile ceasefire.
