UK, Qatar join 51 others in pressing Israel to allow Gaza aid

Fifty-three countries and organisations have urged Israel to ensure rapid and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the Gaza Strip, warning that worsening winter conditions are exposing Palestinians to serious health risks.

The call, led by the United Kingdom, Qatar and Jordan, was made on Thursday as the countries expressed concern over the continuing restrictions on humanitarian assistance despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.

Sarah MacIntosh, the UK's permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered the statement on behalf of the signatories of the Gaza Call to Action on Humanitarian Access and Health.

The statement called on Israel's incoming government to facilitate the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance through all available crossings and land routes into Gaza.

MacIntosh said the comprehensive peace plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 provides for the immediate entry of humanitarian assistance at levels no lower than those agreed on 19 January 2025. However, she said the commitment had yet to be fulfilled.

“Since the ceasefire, we have seen that progress to improve the humanitarian situation is possible, when political will allows,” she said.

She warned that many Palestinians remained without adequate shelter as winter approached, putting them at risk of hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases and other preventable illnesses.

The signatories also urged Israel to restore medical referrals for patients from Gaza to hospitals in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, particularly those requiring treatment unavailable inside the territory.

They called for the protection of healthcare workers, medical facilities and humanitarian personnel, as well as transparent and expedited criminal investigations into attacks targeting aid and healthcare workers.

The countries further urged Israel to allow senior international delegations and journalists to enter Gaza to assess the humanitarian situation.

The signatories pledged to support urgent winter preparations by providing shelter, clean water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies to reduce civilian suffering and prevent further deterioration of public health.