Mauritania and 17 Arab-Islamic Countries Condemn Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Hospital

The Mauritanian government, along with 17 other Arab and Islamic states, has issued a joint statement condemning the Israeli airstrike on the Nasser medical complex in Khan Younès, Gaza. The attack resulted in numerous casualties among patients and medical staff. The countries that signed the statement include Egypt, Qatar, Sudan, Libya, Palestine, Djibouti, Somalia, Sultanate of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia, Algeria, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

The joint statement describes the bombing of the hospital as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, which guarantees special protection to healthcare infrastructure and medical personnel. The countries also denounced continued Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians, particularly strikes on tents and sites sheltering displaced persons. These actions, they argue, jeopardize the ceasefire agreement and efforts to restore security and stability in Gaza.

The ministers of foreign affairs of the 18 countries expressed deep concern over Israel's ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid, shelter equipment, and medical supplies. They warned that these restrictions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches, putting civilians, especially children and infants, at greater risk. The signatories urged Israel to immediately and fully honor its commitments under the Charm el-Cheikh agreement, the US president's plan, and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

The resolution, adopted in 2025, emphasizes the need for a ceasefire, protection of civilians and medical structures, and safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. The ministers demanded that Israel allow UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to carry out their missions without obstruction and implement the obligations of the first phase of the agreement without delay or prior political or security conditions.

The joint statement also called on the United States and the Peace Council to intensify their efforts to make Israel respect its obligations and lift restrictions on relief. The countries reaffirmed their commitment to coordinating with regional and international partners to consolidate the ceasefire, execute the different phases of the plan, and increase assistance to the Palestinian people.

The airstrike on the Nasser medical complex has been widely condemned, with many countries and international organizations calling for an immediate end to the violence. The incident has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for sustained efforts to address the crisis.

The Mauritanian government and the 17 other countries that signed the joint statement have pledged to continue their support for the Palestinian people and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. They emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians and medical personnel.

Key points

• Israel's airstrike on the Nasser medical complex in Gaza has been condemned by 18 Arab-Islamic countries.
• The attack resulted in numerous casualties among patients and medical staff.
• The countries called on Israel to honor its commitments under international agreements and to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.