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53 countries demand wider humanitarian access to Gaza
Published : Saturday, 14 November, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Observer Online Report
A total of 53 countries and international organisations have urged Israel to ensure rapid and unrestricted humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as shortages of food, shelter and medical supplies continue to worsen the suffering of Palestinians ahead of winter.
The appeal was made on Thursday (November 12) at a press conference at the United Nations headquarters by Britain's Permanent Representative to the UN, Sarah MacIntosh, on behalf of the 53 countries and organisations.
The initiative, titled 'Call to Action on Health and Humanitarian Access into Gaza', is led by the United Kingdom, Qatar and Jordan, with Türkiye and several other countries and international organisations supporting it.
MacIntosh said UN Security Council Resolution 2803 had endorsed a comprehensive peace plan that called for the immediate delivery of adequate humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Under the plan, the volume of aid entering Gaza should not fall below the levels agreed upon on January 19, 2025. However, the commitment has yet to be fulfilled, she said.
She added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had shown some scope for improvement since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, but further progress would depend on the necessary political will.
Despite the onset of winter, many Palestinians remain without adequate shelter, exposing them to hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases and other preventable illnesses.
Calling on Israel's incoming government following the country's elections, MacIntosh urged it to facilitate rapid and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza.
She called for all available crossings and land routes to be opened to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of relief supplies.
She also urged the restoration of medical referral arrangements allowing patients from Gaza to receive treatment at hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
In addition, she called for transparent criminal investigations into attacks on healthcare workers and humanitarian personnel, with such investigations launched and completed without delay.
MacIntosh further urged Israel to allow senior international delegations and journalists to enter Gaza, saying their access was essential for delivering humanitarian assistance and monitoring the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, the 53 countries and organisations pledged support for humanitarian operations in Gaza, particularly urgent winter preparations. Their assistance will include shelter, clean water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies.
They expressed hope that the support would help ease civilian suffering and address public health risks during the winter.
More than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, including more than 22,000 children, while over 175,000 people have been injured. Around 10,000 Palestinians remain missing, according to figures cited in the report.
- MaT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
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