- Foreign Ministers Call for Protection of Palestinian Civilians and Medical Facilities, Demand Full Implementation of Gaza Ceasefire Commitments
ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of 18 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt and Indonesia, have strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, Gaza, which resulted in casualties among patients and medical personnel.
In a joint statement, the ministers described the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law, which provides special protection to medical facilities, healthcare workers and patients during armed conflicts.
The ministers also condemned continued Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians, particularly strikes targeting tents and other locations sheltering displaced families. They warned that such actions undermine the ceasefire and ongoing international efforts to restore security and stability in Gaza, while contradicting the objectives of US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis as Winter Approaches
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the ministers criticised continued Israeli restrictions on humanitarian assistance, including essential shelter materials such as tents, caravans and mobile homes, as well as medical supplies.
They warned that inadequate shelter and the worsening condition of water, sanitation and healthcare services were placing civilian lives at serious risk as winter approaches.
Particular concern was expressed for children and infants, who remain especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures and the severe shortage of adequate shelter and essential humanitarian supplies.
The ministers cautioned that without urgent intervention, vulnerable Palestinian families could face further preventable deaths and suffering due to exposure to extreme winter conditions.
Call for Full Implementation of Ceasefire Commitments
The foreign ministers urged Israel to respond to appeals from the international community and the Board of Peace by immediately fulfilling its obligations under the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement, President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025).
They called on Israel to uphold the ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians and medical facilities, and facilitate the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of sufficient humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
The statement emphasised the urgent need to allow the entry of shelter materials, early recovery supplies and equipment required to restore essential infrastructure and basic public services.
The ministers also called for unrestricted access for United Nations agencies and international humanitarian organisations to carry out their mandates and deliver life-saving assistance without obstruction.
No Further Delays or Additional Conditions
The ministers stressed that commitments under the first phase of the agreement were scheduled to take effect upon its signing and must therefore be implemented immediately, without further delays or additional conditions.
They underscored that political or security-related considerations must not be used to obstruct humanitarian access, emphasising that urgent humanitarian assistance should proceed independently of developments in subsequent phases of the peace plan.
The statement also called on the United States and the Board of Peace, within their respective responsibilities, to intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure Israel’s full compliance with the agreed commitments and the removal of all restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Such measures, the ministers noted, are essential to preserving the credibility of the agreements and consolidating the ceasefire.
Regional and International Commitment to Palestinian Relief
Reaffirming their collective commitment to the Palestinian people, the foreign ministers pledged to continue working with regional and international partners to strengthen the ceasefire, advance the implementation of all phases of the Comprehensive Plan and significantly expand humanitarian assistance.
They emphasised the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population and ensure the delivery of essential relief, medical care and shelter to civilians across Gaza.
The joint statement was endorsed by the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Palestine, Libya, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia and Sudan.
BY: The Times Union
