Eight countries urge Israel to allow 'permanent and dignified shelter' into Gaza as weather worsens Ministers from Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt countries expressed concern in a joint statement over the "deteriorating humanitarian conditions" in Gaza that have been exacerbated by extreme weather. The eight foreign ministers said that 1.9 million people in Gaza are facing potentially hazardous consequences such as death, sickness, and disease as a result of heavy rains and inadequate shelter, especially children, women, the elderly, and people with difficult medical conditions. They stressed the urgent need to immediately begin and expand early recovery efforts, including providing permanent and dignified shelter to protect residents from harsh winter conditions. The ministers also called on the international community to assume "its legal and moral responsibilities and pressure Israel, to immediately lift restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential supplies". They praised the work if United Nations and urged the international community to pressure Israel to lift restrictions and allow uninterrupted delivery of aid, and ensure UN and international organizations can operate freely in Gaza and the West Bank.