New York:A coalition of 53 countries and organizations has urged the opening of all crossings into Gaza to facilitate the unrestricted entry of humanitarian and medical aid, including essential shelter supplies, fuel, and medicines, in anticipation of the approaching winter.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the initiative, spearheaded by Britain, Qatar, and Jordan, aims to address the deteriorating humanitarian and health crisis in Gaza. The Palestinian Mission to the UN, in a statement posted on X, highlighted the Comprehensive Plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which calls for immediate full humanitarian assistance at levels agreed upon on 19 January 2025. However, this plan has not yet been actualized.
The statement warned that as winter nears, many in Gaza remain without adequate shelter, risking exposure to conditions such as hypothermia, respiratory infections, and waterborne diseases. In response, the coalition committed to supporting humanitarian efforts, pledging to provide assistance for urgent winterization efforts, including the provision of shelter, water, sanitation, and health supplies.
The coalition also called on Israel's forthcoming government to facilitate rapid and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza and ensure the operation of humanitarian corridors through Egypt and Jordan. Furthermore, they emphasized the need for the entry of critical items, such as 'dual-use' items, to prevent a further decline in public health conditions.
The statement highlighted the importance of restoring medical referral pathways to hospitals in East al-Quds and the West Bank for treating illnesses and injuries inadequately managed in Gaza. It also underscored the necessity of protecting healthcare workers and facilities, in line with international humanitarian law, and called for prompt investigations into attacks on healthcare and humanitarian aid personnel.
Additionally, the coalition urged that senior international delegations and journalists be permitted entry into the Gaza Strip. The countries reiterated their support for the Palestinian Authority and collaborative efforts with international partners to restore essential health services and rehabilitate health infrastructure. They stressed the significance of the United Nations and other impartial international humanitarian organizations in delivering much-needed assistance, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2803.