Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman condemned the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, warning of the consequences of the continued use of starvation and forced displacement as weapons of war. Oman stressed the need to hold perpetrators accountable for these grave violations. This was stated by Omar bin Saif Al-Kharousi, the Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, before the Security Council during discussions on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Cause.”
According to Oman News Agency, Al-Kharousi highlighted the ongoing challenges in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. He described Gaza as a scene of humanitarian disaster due to Israeli aggression against civilians. He warned against international complacency in stopping this aggression, emphasizing that the daily massacres, collective starvation, and systematic targeting of civilians and infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and shelters, violate international norms and conventions and amount to crimes against humanity.
Oman expressed appreciation for the efforts of UN agencies, particularly UNRWA, and its field staff working under severe conditions to deliver humanitarian and medical aid in Gaza. The Sultanate condemned attempts to weaken UNRWA and called on the international community to ensure its continued funding and support.
Oman stressed the need for protection of UN personnel and for the Security Council to enforce its resolutions on the Palestinian cause, particularly Resolution 2735 (2024), which calls for an immediate ceasefire. Oman urged the Security Council to adopt a resolution demanding a comprehensive ceasefire, international protection for the Palestinian people, and recommending the admission of the State of Palestine as a full UN member.
Oman praised mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the USA to halt aggression and establish a truce. It supports the recovery and reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt in coordination with Palestine, backed by Arab and Islamic nations. Oman also commended efforts by France, Saudi Arabia, and preparations for an international peace conference to implement the two-state solution.
Oman affirmed that occupation and settlement activities, along with the obstruction of peace opportunities, will lead to escalation in the region. The path to security and stability in the Middle East lies in ending the Israeli occupation of Arab territories, withdrawing from the Syrian Golan, restoring Lebanon’s territorial sovereignty, and enforcing UN resolutions.
In conclusion, Oman asserted that regional security and stability can only be achieved by recognizing Palestinian rights, including the establishment of an independent state on the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.