January 3, 2026 | 11:46 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt have demanded that Israel allow the UN and international NGOs to operate in Gaza and the West Bank.
The ministers insisted that Israel ensure these organizations "are able to operate in Gaza and the West Bank in a sustained, predictable, and unrestricted manner, given their vital role in the humanitarian response.
According to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the X account @Kemlu_RI, any effort to block these operations is "unacceptable."
The ministers praised the "tireless efforts" of UN agencies, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and international NGOs. These groups continue to assist Palestinian civilians under complex and dangerous conditions.
This demand follows Israel's announcement to revoke operational permits for 37 international aid groups starting January 1, 2026. The Israeli government claimed these groups failed to meet new registration rules.
Organizations such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Oxfam now face bans in Gaza. Other major groups affected include the Norwegian Refugee Council, CARE International, the International Rescue Committee, and Caritas.
Israel specifically accused Doctors Without Borders (MSF) of failing to clarify the roles of certain staff members. The occupying authorities alleged that some personnel collaborated with Hamas, a claim frequently used to justify tightening restrictions on humanitarian workers.
Bad Weather in Gaza
The eight foreign ministers also expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation. Severe winter weather, including heavy rains and storms, has made life harder for the population. This crisis is exacerbated by limited access to basic supplies and the slow arrival of materials needed for temporary housing and essential services.
The ministers highlighted that extreme weather has exposed the fragile conditions of nearly 1.9 million Palestinian refugees. Most families live in inadequate shelters that cannot withstand the season.
Flooded camps, destroyed tents, and collapsing buildings, combined with freezing temperatures and widespread malnutrition, have increased the risk of death and disease. Children, women, and the elderly are currently at the highest risk.
The eight countries reiterated their full support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan proposed by President Donald Trump. They stated their intention to help implement these measures to ensure the "sustainability of the ceasefire" and end the war. These efforts aim to guarantee a dignified life for Palestinians and open a "credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood."
In this context, the group emphasized the need for immediate recovery efforts. This includes providing durable housing to protect residents from the extreme cold. The ministers urged the international community to pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to lift restrictions on tents, medical aid, clean water, fuel, and sanitation. They also called for the immediate opening of the Rafah Crossing in both directions, as outlined in the current peace proposals.
Read: Israel to Block 37 International Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza
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