ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, along with the seven major Muslim-majority nations, have issued a joint warning on Friday regarding the worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.
They stressed that severe winters, rain and restricted access to the aid have made it very difficult for the people to survive there.
The official statement was released by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
The officials highlighted that recent heavy rain and storms have flooded the shelter camps, destroyed the alternative places to live that were already in poor condition.
Worsening Crisis due to Winter
Round about 1.9 million people have lost their homes in Gaza till now. They are living in temporary shelters that offer no protection against the chilling cold.
The Ministers noted that the cold weather is causing both a lack of food and overcrowded living spaces, due to which the chances of spreading disease are rising. Children, the elderly and those already sick are at the highest risk of being affected first.
No Restriction on the Aid
The Ministers pointed out that the entry of aid, like food and clothes, is necessary at this stage. The process of fixing basic services and building temporary housing is too slow.
The joint statement acknowledged the hard work of United Nations agencies, specifically the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), for providing help to the civilians under dangerous conditions. The group stressed that blocking humanitarian help is unacceptable and urged the international community to take responsibility for the situation.
Resolving the issue through Ceasefire
The members of the eight nations reaffirmed that they stand still with the ceasefire plan adopted by the UN Security Council last year.
They were of the view that the war must be ended immediately and peace should be established, as Palestinians have sacrificed a lot.
The statement was concluded by a call to repair hospitals and infrastructure. The ministers also requested the full reopening of the Rafah Crossing to ensure aid can flow steadily into the region.
Also Read: Pakistan Backs Gaza Peace Plan Resolution, Reaffirms ‘Unshakeable’ Support for Palestine
