New York:Fifty-three countries and organizations have called on the Israeli government to permit the swift and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian assistance to all areas of the Gaza Strip through all available border crossings and land routes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a joint statement was delivered by Britain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations outside the UN Security Council. The countries urged Israel to approve the entry of additional essential supplies, particularly those classified as "dual-use," necessary for shelter, fuel, water, sanitation, and healthcare to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian and health situation.

The statement also emphasized the need for Israel to allow patients and wounded Palestinians from Gaza, who cannot receive adequate treatment in the territory, to access hospitals in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Additionally, it called for the reopening of border crossings into Gaza.

Healthcare workers, medical facilities, and medical transportation need protection in accordance with international humanitarian law, the statement stressed. Protection was also sought for all humanitarian facilities, personnel, civilians, and humanitarian and civilian infrastructure.

The 53 signatories demanded transparent and expedited investigations into Israeli attacks on healthcare and humanitarian workers. They also called for international high-level delegations and journalists to be allowed entry into Gaza.

The statement warned that even with potential humanitarian improvements following the ceasefire, many Palestinians in Gaza remain without adequate shelter as winter approaches, exposing them to hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases, and other preventable illnesses.

Restrictions on the entry of essential shelter materials and other life-saving supplies continue to hinder humanitarian organizations from delivering assistance on the necessary scale, the countries emphasized.

The signatories reaffirmed their commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza, including urgent winter preparedness measures involving the provision of shelter, water, sanitation supplies, and medical assistance to alleviate suffering and reduce public health risks. They also pledged support for the Palestinian Authority, in cooperation with the United Nations and other humanitarian partners, in restoring essential healthcare services and rehabilitating Gaza's health infrastructure.