A coalition of 53 countries and organisations urged Israel on Thursday to permit immediate and unhindered humanitarian relief into the Gaza Strip. The group includes Turkiye, alongside the UK, Qatar and Jordan.
Sarah MacIntosh, the permanent representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, delivered the joint statement on behalf of the co-signatories. The initiative is known as the Gaza Call to Action on Humanitarian Access and Health.
MacIntosh spoke at a news conference held at United Nations headquarters. She pointed to a comprehensive peace plan endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
"The comprehensive peace plan, endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, provides for the immediate entry into Gaza of full humanitarian assistance at levels no lower than those agreed on 19 January 2025. This has not yet been realized," MacIntosh told reporters.
She said that since the October 2025 ceasefire, progress to improve conditions remains possible when political will allows. However, she warned about conditions during the colder months.
"As winter sets in, far too many people in Gaza are still without adequate shelter and risk exposure to hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases, and other preventable illnesses," MacIntosh said.
Following recent elections in Israel, the group addressed the incoming administration directly. MacIntosh reiterated the appeal for the new government to facilitate rapid access throughout the enclave.
"Following elections in Israel, we reiterate our call to the incoming government of Israel to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza and through all available crossings and land routes," she stated.
The statement demanded specific actions regarding medical access and worker protection. MacIntosh urged Israel to restore the medical referral pathway to hospitals located in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
She called on authorities to open and expedite transparent criminal investigations into attacks against healthcare and humanitarian workers. The coalition also demanded permission for senior international delegations and journalists to enter Gaza.
Pledging ongoing backing for relief operations, MacIntosh outlined commitments from the gathered nations. The countries pledged support for urgent winterisation preparations, including shelter, water, sanitation and health supplies to reduce suffering and mitigate public health risks.
