Sarah MacIntosh, the UK’s permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered a joint statement Thursday on behalf of the signatories of the Gaza Call to Action on Humanitarian Access and Health, an initiative led by the UK, Qatar and Jordan, Anadolu agency reported.
Speaking at a news conference at UN headquarters, MacIntosh said the comprehensive peace plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 provides for the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza at levels no lower than those agreed on January 19, 2025.
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” This has not yet been realized,” she said.
MacIntosh noted that improvements in humanitarian conditions had been possible since the October 2025 ceasefire when political will allowed progress.
However, she warned that many Palestinians continued to lack adequate shelter as winter approaches, leaving them vulnerable to hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases and other preventable illnesses.
Following elections in Israel, the signatories renewed their appeal to the country’s incoming government to facilitate humanitarian deliveries throughout Gaza through all available border crossings and land routes.
The joint statement also called on Israel to restore medical referral arrangements allowing patients to receive treatment at hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
MacIntosh further urged Israeli authorities to launch transparent criminal investigations into attacks against healthcare workers and humanitarian personnel.
The statement also called for senior international delegations and journalists to be granted access to Gaza.
The 53 signatories pledged to support emergency winter preparations in the territory, including the provision of shelter, clean water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies.
The initiative aims to reduce civilian suffering and address growing public health risks as humanitarian needs remain acute across the Gaza Strip.
