Indonesia, partners urge Israel to allow unhindered Gaza aid
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia, along with several Arab and Islamic countries, has urged Israel to grant unhindered access for the United Nations (UN) and international non-governmental organizations (NGO) to assist Palestinian civilians.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt called on Israel to ensure that the UN and humanitarian NGOs can operate without restriction in Gaza, citing their vital role in humanitarian operations.
“Any attempt to impede their ability to operate is unacceptable,” the joint statement said, as published by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media on Friday.
The foreign ministers commended the continued efforts of UN agencies, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, as well as humanitarian NGOs, for delivering assistance to Palestinian civilians under extremely difficult and complex conditions.
They also expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been further aggravated by severe and unstable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms.
According to the statement, the situation is compounded by insufficient humanitarian access, acute shortages of life-saving supplies, and the slow entry of essential materials needed for infrastructure rehabilitation.
The foreign ministers noted that the severe weather has exposed the fragility of existing humanitarian conditions, particularly affecting nearly 1.9 million displaced people living in inadequate shelters.
Flooded camps, damaged tents, the collapse of weakened buildings, and exposure to cold temperatures combined with malnutrition have significantly increased risks to civilian lives, including the spread of disease, especially among vulnerable groups.
The ministers reiterated their full support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, as well as their intention to contribute to its successful implementation.
They said the plan is expected to help sustain the ceasefire, bring an end to the war in Gaza, ensure a dignified life for Palestinians who have endured prolonged humanitarian suffering, and provide a credible pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
The statement stressed the urgent need to immediately initiate and scale up early recovery efforts, including the provision of durable and dignified shelter to protect civilians from severe weather conditions.
The foreign ministers also called on the international community to uphold its responsibilities and pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential supplies into Gaza.
They further urged the provision of immediate, full, and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza through the UN and its agencies, without interference from any party.
In addition, the ministers called for the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and hospitals, as well as the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, in accordance with Trump’s comprehensive peace plan.
