Oman condemns Israel’splan to occupy Gaza Strip

The Sultanate of Oman has expressed its firm condemnation and rejection of the Israeli government’s decision to solidify its military occupation of the Gaza Strip, continuing its violation of international law, disregard for international legitimacy resolutions and unchecked infringement upon the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people without deterrence or accountability.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Foreign Ministry, Oman called upon all nations of the world — particularly members states of the United Nations Security Council — to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities in halting the injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people. It urged decisive and immediate measures to enable Palestinians to reclaim their legitimate rights, end this aggression and terminate the Israeli occupation of their territories in accordance with the pre-1967 borders.
Meanwhile, Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 18 people were killed across the Palestinian territory on Saturday, including civilians who were waiting to collect aid.
Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said that at least six people were killed and 30 wounded after Israeli troops targeted civilians assembling near an aid point in central Gaza.
The spokesman said strikes hit areas elsewhere in central Gaza, resulting in multiple casualties.
He later added that a drone attack near the southern city of Khan Yunis killed at least three people and injured several others.
Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence and the Israeli military.
Thousands of Palestinians congregate daily near food distribution points in Gaza, including four managed by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Since launching in late May, its operations have been marred by almost-daily reports of Israeli forces firing on those waiting to collect aid.
Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies into Gaza since the start of the war nearly two years ago have led to shortages of food and essential supplies, including medicine and fuel, which hospitals require to power their generators.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure a ceasefire to bring the territory's more than two million people back from the brink of famine and free the captives. — Agencies