Fifty-three nations and organizations demand rapid humanitarian access to Gaza Strip

Fifty-three countries and organizations have called for rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. The group, which includes Turkiye, urged Israel to facilitate the delivery of essential aid through all available crossings and land routes. This demand was delivered at United Nations headquarters by Sarah MacIntosh, the United Kingdom's permanent representative to the United Nations, who spoke on behalf of the co-signatories.

Demands for aid and medical access

The Gaza Call to Action on Humanitarian Access and Health is a collective initiative led by the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Jordan. The group requested that the incoming Israeli government facilitate aid through all available crossings and land routes to ensure supplies reach those in need. This includes a specific request for the full and regular operation of humanitarian corridors managed by Egypt and Jordan.

In addition to food and general supplies, the group requested the approval of essential materials that Israel has classified as dual-use. These materials include fuel, water, and sanitation supplies. The group also called for the restoration of medical referral pathways. These pathways would allow patients who are unable to be treated in Gaza to reach hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening as winter approaches, leaving many without adequate shelter and risking diseases, Sarah MacIntosh said. The statement emphasized that current humanitarian assistance levels have not reached the levels agreed upon on January 19, 2025, as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

Calls for accountability and transparency

The group of fifty-three signatories also addressed the safety of those providing aid and reporting on the situation. The group called for transparent criminal investigations into attacks against healthcare and humanitarian workers. Ensuring the safety of these individuals is a central component of the group's demands for improved humanitarian access.

Furthermore, the group requested that senior international delegations and journalists be granted access to the Gaza Strip. This access is intended to provide greater visibility into the conditions on the ground. The group highlighted that the current level of assistance remains below the standards established by previous international mandates.

The group noted that the current assistance levels do not meet the requirements set by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The group emphasized that the scale of aid must align with the humanitarian needs of the population in the Gaza Strip. The collective action aims to ensure that essential services and life-saving supplies reach the civilian population without further delay.

Glossary

• humanitarian corridors — Humanitarian corridors are routes used for the evacuation of civilians. They can be managed through agreements between parties to facilitate movement.
• dual-use — Dual-use refers to technology or materials that serve multiple purposes, such as in defense, energy, or critical materials. Examples include synthetic spider silk or precursors for energetic materials.
• medical referral pathways — Medical referral pathways are routes that connect residents to specific hospitals for treatment. They allow patients to reach medical facilities when they are unable to be treated locally.