Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, on Wednesday received a phone call from Hussein al Sheikh, Vice-President of the State of Palestine and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
During the call, they discussed the tragic developments in the Palestinian territories, particularly the ongoing Israeli genocide against civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the policies of starvation and siege imposed on the Strip.
The two sides emphasised the importance of combined regional and international efforts to halt this brutal aggression, lift the blockade and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. They also stressed the need to continue supporting diplomatic, political and legal efforts aimed at resuming serious negotiations leading to a just and comprehensive peace, in accordance with international references and the two-state solution.
On his turn, Sayyid Badr called for a stronger global appeal to uphold humanity and end the atrocities and famine in Gaza. He reaffirmed Oman’s steadfast approach, based on dialogue, justice, respect for international law and support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Meanwhile, at least 20 people were killed in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday while trying to get food, while others were asked to evacuate as the Israeli Security Cabinet is reportedly set to meet on Thursday to discuss taking over the enclave.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing medical sources, reported that dozens of people were also injured after a lorry loaded with humanitarian aid overturned into a crowd in the central part of Gaza as numerous starving civilians gathered to receive humanitarian aid.
The truck was allegedly forced onto an unsafe route by the Israeli army, overturned and fell into the crowd. These claims could not be independently verified. Palestinian eyewitnesses said looters had attempted to seize control of the truck. During the chaos, shots were fired, and the driver was fatally hit, causing the vehicle to overturn.
According to the United Nations, most trucks entering Gaza are looted before reaching their intended destinations, often by starving civilians.is frequently leads to chaotic and dangerous scenes.
The UN has warned that the conflict-ridden area, home to 2 million people, is on the brink of famine, despite Israel allowing more aid deliveries for over a week. Deadly incidents also continue to occur near aid distribution centres.
WAFA reported that the death toll from aid-related incidents reached 87 within the last 24 hours, in addition to 570 injuries, bringing the total number of such fatalities to 1,655, with 11,800 injuries recorded in hospitals.
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