Pakistan and several Muslim-majority countries have warned that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is worsening due to severe weather, calling for immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access through the United Nations and its agencies.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, a joint statement was issued on Friday by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates.

The ministers said extreme and unstable weather conditions, including torrential rains and storms, have further aggravated Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation.

They noted that limited humanitarian access, acute shortages of life-saving supplies, damaged infrastructure and delays in the arrival of materials for temporary shelter had deepened the crisis.

The statement said nearly 1.9 million people, including displaced families, are currently living in inadequate shelters, exposing them to heightened risks.

Flooded camps, damaged tents, collapsing unsafe buildings, open-air exposure during cold weather and food shortages were cited as major threats to civilian lives.

The ministers warned of a growing risk of disease outbreaks, particularly affecting children, women, the elderly and medically vulnerable people.

They praised the efforts of UN agencies, especially UNRWA, and international humanitarian organisations for continuing to assist Palestinian civilians despite extremely challenging conditions.

The statement demanded that Israel ensure consistent, predictable and unhindered operations by UN agencies and international NGOs in Gaza and the West Bank, declaring any obstruction to humanitarian activities unacceptable.

The foreign ministers reaffirmed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and for President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan, pledging to contribute to their effective implementation to help sustain a ceasefire, end the war in Gaza and enable a dignified life for the Palestinian people.

They also stressed the need to begin and expand early recovery efforts, including the provision of sustainable and dignified shelters to protect civilians from harsh winter conditions.

Calling on the international community to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities, the ministers urged pressure on Israel to immediately lift all restrictions on the delivery of essential items, including tents, shelter materials, medical aid, clean water, fuel and sanitation supplies, and to support the restoration of infrastructure and hospitals.

They further called for the opening of the Rafah crossing in line with the proposed plan to facilitate access from both sides.