In a joint statement, the ministers highlighted the organizations’ integral humanitarian role in Gaza, stressing that any attempt to impede their ability to operate is unacceptable.
They also hailed the UN organizations and agencies, especially the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), as well as other humanitarian NGOs, for providing perpetual assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians under exceedingly difficult and complex circumstances.
Moreover, the ministers urged the provision of immediate, full, and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza directly through the UN and its agencies. They also emphasized the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals, as well as the opening of the Rafah border crossing in both directions in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s plan.
The statement follows the Israeli occupation's announcement of banning the activities of 37 international NGOs operating in Gaza after they allegedly failed to meet what Israel claimed were security and transparency standards related primarily to disclosing information about their Palestinian staff.
Condemnation
Israel’s move, which would exacerbate Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis, has sparked widespread regional and global condemnation.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli occupation authorities' decision to prevent 37 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the humanitarian and health sectors from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, specifically in the Gaza Strip.
On Tuesday, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland released a joint statement, expressing "serious concerns" over a "renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation" in Gaza, which they described as "catastrophic."
On Friday, the foreign ministers of the eight Arab and Muslim nations expressed grave concern over the severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where inadequate shelter has exposed almost 1.9 million people and displaced families to bitter cold, squalor, and multiple illnesses.
Additionally, the statement condemned the severe shortages in life-saving supplies and the slow, sluggish entry of materials essential for rehabilitating basic services and establishing temporary housing.
“Flooded camps, damaged tents, the collapse of damaged buildings, and exposure to cold temperatures, coupled with malnutrition, have significantly heightened risks to civilian lives, including due to disease outbreaks, especially among children, women, the elderly, and individuals with medical vulnerabilities,” the statement said.
Moreover, the ministers urged the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and to pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift constraints on the entry and distribution of essential supplies, including tents, shelter materials, medical assistance, clean water, fuel, and sanitation support.
Atrocities and blockade
Israeli strikes have killed and wounded hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza since the start of a truce between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the US, on 11 October. Moreover, Israel has kept the entry of humanitarian aid to the 2.2 million Palestinians facing hunger in the strip to a minimum, in violation of the truce deal.
In the West Bank, escalating Israeli occupation troops and settlers have killed 1,102 Palestinians and injured 9,034 others. In tandem, Israel has demolished hundreds of homes and expelled tens of thousands of Palestinians from villages and refugee camps in the northern West Bank.
According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics report on the conditions of Palestinians by the end of 2025, indicators point to a severe humanitarian and demographic catastrophe with long-term impacts on population stability, development, and human rights.
The ceasefire deal must be implemented
In their statement on Friday, the foreign ministers of the eight Arab and Muslim nations reaffirmed their full support for the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and US President Donald Trump’s plan, vowing to provide every form of assistance to implement them.
They added that the implementation of the UN resolution and Trump’s plan will ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire, secure a life of dignity for the Palestinian people, and pave the way for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
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