Jakarta, January 3, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesia, together with several Arab and Islamic countries, has called on Israel to provide unhindered access for the United Nations (UN) and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to assist Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt urged Israel to ensure that UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs can operate without restriction, highlighting their critical role in delivering aid.
“Any attempt to impede their ability to operate is unacceptable,” the statement said, as published on social media by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
The ministers commended the efforts of UN agencies, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, along with humanitarian organizations, for providing assistance under extremely challenging conditions.
They expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been worsened by severe and unstable weather, including heavy rains and storms. The crisis is further compounded by limited humanitarian access, shortages of life-saving supplies, and delays in the delivery of essential materials for infrastructure rehabilitation.
The statement noted that nearly 1.9 million displaced people living in inadequate shelters are particularly vulnerable. Flooded camps, damaged tents, collapsed buildings, exposure to cold, and malnutrition have increased risks to civilian lives, including the spread of disease, especially among women, children, and the elderly.
The ministers reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, expressing their commitment to contribute to its successful implementation. They stated that the plan aims to sustain the ceasefire, end hostilities, provide a dignified life for Palestinians, and offer a credible pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
The foreign ministers stressed the urgent need to scale up recovery efforts, including the provision of durable shelters to protect civilians from extreme weather. They called on the international community to hold Israel accountable as the occupying power and ensure immediate, full, and unhindered humanitarian access through the UN and its agencies.
The statement also emphasized the need to rehabilitate critical infrastructure and hospitals and urged the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions in line with the comprehensive peace plan.
