Environment
A group of 53 United Nations member states and organizations on Thursday urged Israel’s new government to open Gaza to humanitarian aid without conditions,
A group of 53 United Nations member states and organizations on Thursday urged Israel’s new government to open Gaza to humanitarian aid without conditions, warning that shortages of shelter and medical supplies as winter approaches are exposing Palestinians to preventable diseases. In a joint statement, the group said that aid deliveries had yet to reach the levels required under UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The resolution endorsed the US-backed “Board of Peace” initiative and called for aid deliveries to be maintained at no less than the levels agreed upon in January 2025.
The appeal was led by the United Kingdom, Qatar and Jordan. It called for aid to enter through all available crossings and land routes, and for humanitarian corridors through Egypt and Jordan to operate fully and without interruption. British Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh said progress was possible if there was the political will to make it happen. However, she said restrictions on shelter materials and other life-saving supplies were still preventing aid organizations from operating at the necessary scale. She warned that people without adequate shelter were facing hypothermia, respiratory infections and waterborne diseases. The signatories urged Israel to protect medical personnel, hospitals, medical transport and humanitarian facilities. They also called for expedited criminal investigations into attacks on health and aid workers, and for senior international delegations and journalists to be allowed into Gaza.
On Wednesday, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher criticised delays in the delivery of winter supplies. He said that waiting for the formation of Israel’s new government was no acceptable excuse under international humanitarian law. UNICEF estimates that of Gaza’s population of 2.2 million, around 1.7 million people are living in tents, makeshift shelters or damaged buildings. Approximately one million people are staying in areas at risk of flooding, including around 400,000 in locations facing a high risk of floods.
On Thursday, Israel bombed Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing 10 Palestinians. It was the deadliest single attack since last month’s Israeli elections. The Israeli military said its target was a senior Hamas commander and accused militants of using the hospital complex to plan attacks. Hamas denied the allegation. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 1,600 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025.
