Qatar Calls for Unhindered Gaza Aid Ahead of Winter
Qatar's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalifi, urged on Friday for swift, sustainable, and unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the protection of medical personnel and facilities. The call came during an "Action for Gaza" meeting in New York, co-hosted by Qatar, Jordan, and the United Kingdom on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly's 81st session. Al-Khalifi stressed the need to enable humanitarian organizations to operate safely and protect healthcare workers, facilities, and medical transport.
Israel's ongoing restrictions on vital supplies into Gaza were highlighted, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reporting that items like engine oil, vehicle spare parts, generators, and solar equipment still require Israeli approval. OCHA noted in mid-September that a lack of spare parts and supplies is hindering humanitarian services, staff transportation, and efforts to restart Gaza's power plant.
With winter approaching, Al-Khalifi called for adequate shelter, clean water, and sanitation services. OCHA data indicates that 91% of surveyed households face moderate to severe water insecurity. A UN, EU, and World Bank study revealed that approximately 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced, and over 371,000 housing units have been damaged or destroyed.
The Gaza government media office reported that 162,000 out of 270,000 tents housing displaced families are now dilapidated, warning of worsening conditions for the displaced as winter nears. Qatar has provided food, essential supplies, and tents for about 436,000 people, and has resumed operations at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Hospital. The country has also supplied 30 million liters of fuel to Gaza over the past three years and agreed with the UN to provide an additional 1.3 million liters to support medical and essential services.
Al-Khalifi also referenced Qatar's efforts towards a ceasefire in Gaza and support for a 20-point US peace plan, noting the plan's first phase began in October 2025, followed by a ceasefire. UN Security Council Resolution 2803 in November 2025 endorsed the plan, calling for its full implementation, including a continued ceasefire and aid access, and welcomed the establishment of a "Peace Council" for transitional management and reconstruction. Qatar reiterated its commitment to working with partners and the "Peace Council" to meet humanitarian needs and support recovery.
Since October 8, 2023, Israel's war in Gaza has resulted in over 73,000 deaths, more than 174,000 injuries, and widespread infrastructure destruction.
