Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, as well as an end to the suffering of the people by halting the aggression and completely withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza.
During an interactive dialogue session on the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, His Excellency Ambassador Idris bin Abdul Rahman Al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, delivered a speech in which he expressed Oman's reservations about attempting to portray a balanced position that equates the occupying party with those who have endured more than half a century of suffering.
The Ambassador stated, "The delegation of the Sultanate of Oman appreciates the report of the fact-finding committee, which calls for a thorough examination of the events that occurred on October 7 and the subsequent developments within their proper context. It is important to acknowledge that these events were preceded by decades of occupation, pain, frustration, and the denial of basic rights to live in dignity."
His Excellency highlighted that the tragic events unfolding in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have exposed the true nature of the occupying state and its inhumane practices to the world, particularly among the younger generation who have become aware of the deception propagated by the Israeli narrative over the years. These events have also revealed the United Nations' inability to overcome the policy of double standards, as certain member states obstruct the implementation of international law and interpret it according to their own interests, at the expense of the right of peoples to development, cooperation, and peace.
His Excellency emphasized that the Sultanate of Oman concurs with certain aspects of the committee's findings on the war crimes committed by Israel, such as the tragic loss of civilian lives, including children, women, and the elderly, the injuries sustained by over 130,000 individuals, and the displacement and suffering of two million civilians. This includes the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and universities. Additionally, he highlighted the urgent need to reopen borders, allow the return of displaced individuals, end the blockade, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and goods, and create a plan for Gaza's reconstruction.
Furthermore, His Excellency reiterated Oman's support for the committee's call for Israel to adhere to the interim measures set by the International Court of Justice. This includes granting unrestricted access to investigation teams in all affected areas, empowering them to gather evidence and uncover the truth to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, genocide, and violations of international laws and agreements.
