Oman Condemns Gaza Blockade, Urges UN Action for Immediate Ceasefire and Palestinian Statehood
New York, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman has strongly condemned the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, warning of the dire consequences of using starvation and forced displacement as weapons of war. Speaking before the United Nations Security Council during its session on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Cause,” Oman called for urgent international accountability for these grave violations of humanitarian law.
Omar bin Saif Al-Kharousi, Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered the statement, affirming that the Middle East continues to face significant challenges—foremost among them, the Palestinian issue. He described the current situation in Gaza as one of the most horrific humanitarian crises in recent history, resulting from what he termed “brutal Israeli aggression” against thousands of innocent civilians.
Al-Kharousi warned against international complacency, stressing that the collective starvation, daily massacres, and systematic targeting of civilians and infrastructure—such as hospitals, schools, and shelters—constitute flagrant violations of international norms and conventions and amount to crimes against humanity.
Oman expressed deep appreciation for the work of United Nations agencies, particularly UNRWA, and commended its field staff for delivering critical humanitarian and medical assistance under life-threatening conditions. The Sultanate also condemned attempts to undermine UNRWA and hinder its operations, calling on the global community to ensure its continued funding and support.
The statement stressed the importance of protecting UN personnel and enabling them to operate without fear or obstruction. Oman criticized the Security Council for selective enforcement of its resolutions, particularly highlighting the lack of implementation of Resolution 2735 (2024), which calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Oman urged the Security Council to uphold its historical responsibilities by adopting a clear resolution that mandates a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire, ensures international protection for Palestinians, and recommends the State of Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations. The Sultanate described this step as essential to correcting a historical injustice that has persisted for over seventy-five years.
Oman also praised the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to achieve a ceasefire and lasting truce, expressing full support for Egypt’s recovery and reconstruction plan in coordination with the State of Palestine and backed by Arab and Islamic countries. Furthermore, it commended the efforts of France, Saudi Arabia, and others preparing for an international peace conference aimed at advancing the two-state solution.
Concluding its remarks, Oman reiterated that peace and stability in the region are contingent upon ending the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan Heights and southern Lebanon. The Sultanate called for full implementation of all relevant UN resolutions and an end to all forms of settlement expansion and territorial control.
Oman reaffirmed its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people—chief among them the establishment of an independent, sovereign state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital, in accordance with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.
