Several countries in the Middle East and Asia demanded that Israel lift restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, citing the increasing vulnerability of displaced Palestinians due to harsh winter conditions. In a joint statement released Friday, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Pakistan, and Indonesia expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the bombarded enclave, where an estimated 1.9 million people have been displaced.

The foreign ministers emphasized that flooded camps, damaged tents, the collapse of already weakened buildings, and exposure to plummeting temperatures, compounded by widespread malnutrition, have created a dire and unsustainable environment for Gazan civilians. They called for immediate, full, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.

The call for unrestricted aid access comes as Gaza experiences severe winter storms, exacerbating an already critical situation. Nanaa Abu Jari, a Palestinian woman living in a tent in central Gaza's Nuseirat, was photographed cooking outside her flooded shelter on January 2, highlighting the daily struggles faced by displaced families.

The restrictions on aid entering Gaza have been a long-standing point of contention. Israel maintains that security concerns necessitate strict control over the flow of goods into the territory, while international organizations and human rights groups argue that these restrictions impede the delivery of essential supplies and violate international law. These groups contend that the current level of aid entering Gaza is insufficient to meet the needs of the population, particularly in light of the widespread destruction and displacement caused by recent conflict.

The United Nations has repeatedly warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, citing shortages of food, water, medicine, and shelter. Several aid organizations have reported difficulties in reaching those most in need due to logistical challenges and security concerns. The World Health Organization has also expressed alarm over the spread of disease in overcrowded shelters, further straining the already overwhelmed healthcare system.

The Israeli government has yet to respond directly to the joint statement from the foreign ministers. However, officials have previously stated that Israel is committed to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza while ensuring its security. The situation remains fluid, with international pressure mounting on Israel to ease restrictions and allow for a significant increase in aid deliveries to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.