Vienna: Fifty-one countries on Wednesday voiced their call for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to play a significant role in providing both urgent and long-term assistance to the state of Palestine. The initiative aims to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a joint statement, countries including Turkey, the UK, Spain, Italy, and China emphasized that the IAEA is a competent body capable of delivering essential aid to the state of Palestine. This statement was presented by Levent Eler, Turkey's permanent representative to the UN Office in Vienna, during the Board of Governors meeting.

The statement highlighted that the IAEA could be instrumental in addressing Palestine's needs, particularly in nuclear medicine, non-destructive testing, and evaluating soil, air, and water contamination levels. These areas are critical for improving the living conditions in the region.

The coalition of countries also expressed their support for the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, urging all involved parties to adhere to and implement the terms of the agreement effectively.

Additionally, the statement raised concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, with a particular focus on Gaza. It stressed that the level of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza remains well below the expectations set by the ceasefire terms.