53 Countries and Organizations Call on Occupation to Allow Rapid Humanitarian Aid Access to the Strip

The heads of the intelligence agencies of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar called for an immediate halt to the ongoing violations by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip and for taking concrete, non-delayed steps to enhance efforts and contribute positively to achieving a permanent and sustainable peace in the sector. The Egyptian Middle East News Agency reported that this came during a meeting held in Cairo by the heads of intelligence agencies from the three countries to discuss the latest developments in Gaza.

It added that the meeting reached an agreement to complete the first phase of the ceasefire agreement and to adhere to its provisions, particularly regarding the cessation of targeting in Gaza and increasing humanitarian aid, especially to address adverse weather conditions.

On another front, 53 countries and organizations called on the Israeli occupation to allow rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip through all available border crossings and land routes, warning of a worsening humanitarian and health situation as winter approaches. This was stated in a joint statement read by the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sarah Mackintosh, before journalists at the UN headquarters, on behalf of the countries and organizations joining the UK-led initiative on health and humanitarian access to Gaza, in partnership with Qatar and Jordan.

Mackintosh warned that a large number of Gaza’s residents still lack adequate shelter as winter approaches, exposing them to risks of hypothermia, respiratory diseases, waterborne diseases, and other preventable illnesses. She noted that restrictions on the entry of essential shelter materials and other life-saving supplies are hindering humanitarian organizations’ ability to respond to growing needs at the required scale.

She pointed out that the comprehensive peace plan approved by the UN Security Council under Resolution 2803 mandates the immediate and full entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza at levels no less than those agreed upon on January 19, 2025, emphasizing that this commitment has not yet been fulfilled.

The statement called for ensuring the full and stable operation of Egyptian and Jordanian humanitarian corridors and allowing the entry of additional essential materials, including those classified as dual-use items, particularly those related to shelter, fuel, water, sanitation, and medical supplies, to prevent further deterioration of public health. It also demanded the reactivation of medical referral pathways to hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank for patients and injured individuals who cannot receive appropriate treatment within Gaza.

The statement stressed the necessity of protecting healthcare workers, medical facilities, and medical transport, as well as ensuring the protection of humanitarian sites, the safety of humanitarian workers, civilians, and infrastructure. It called on participating countries and organizations to conduct prompt and transparent criminal investigations into attacks targeting healthcare and humanitarian workers, and to allow high-level international delegations and journalists to enter Gaza.

Mackintosh reaffirmed the commitment of the countries and organizations signing the statement to support humanitarian efforts in the sector, particularly urgent winter preparedness and alleviating the suffering of the population amid difficult humanitarian conditions. She reiterated the vital role of the United Nations, its agencies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and neutral international humanitarian organizations in delivering aid to those in need, as stipulated by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.