The Sultanate of Oman has strongly condemned and rejected Israel’s decision to continue its military occupation of the Gaza Strip, viewing it as a clear violation of international law and a disregard for resolutions of international legitimacy.
This position is in line with a broader international rejection of Israel’s plans for complete military control over Gaza.
Israel’s security cabinet recently approved a plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the occupation of Gaza City, which means the Israeli military will take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones.
This occupation represents a significant escalation by Israel, potentially leading to the forced displacement of tens of thousands of Gaza residents who are facing famine conditions due to Israel’s humanitarian aid blockage.
Oman has consistently supported the rights of the Palestinian people, calling on the international community, especially the member states of the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil their legal and moral obligations to stop the aggression and help Palestinians regain their rightful rights and end the Israeli occupation of lands within the pre-1967 borders.
The recent condemnation from Oman comes amidst widespread international opposition to Israel’s stated intention to assume full military control of Gaza. This decision to occupy violates international law, seeks to legitimise illegal occupation and goes against relevant international legitimacy decisions.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League Ministerial Committee (Gaza Contact Group) issued a joint statement unequivocally rejecting Israel’s plan for full military occupation of Gaza, describing it as ‘against international law, a serious escalation and a continuation of the occupation’. They also highlighted ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, warning that these violations could amount to crimes against humanity.
Oman has been calling for an end to what they describe as Israel’s ‘genocidal war’ on the Gaza Strip, urging the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid and emphasising the need for a complete and permanent ceasefire, an end to the oppression of Palestinians, and a halt to the ‘genocide being committed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza and across the Palestinian territories’.
International organisations and leaders have echoed these concerns. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticised Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, labelling it as ‘a dangerous escalation’ that would result in the forced displacement of Palestinians.
European leaders, including Germany, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Finland, have also criticised Israel’s decision, warning of exacerbated humanitarian crises and some, like Germany, have halted military exports that could be used in Gaza.
On a positive note, a large group of UN members plan to recognise Palestinian statehood, including Australia, France, Canada and Britain, in addition to several nations that have already done so.
This shift in recognition among Western countries is widely seen as a response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and frustrations with Israel’s conduct of the war, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties and widespread suffering.
It also reflects a growing international consensus that a two-state solution is the only viable path to peace, a solution that Israel’s current government has largely rejected.
While recognition alone may not immediately alter the situation on the ground, it is considered by supporters as a crucial step towards building momentum for a two-state solution and realigning global diplomacy with international law and principles of self-determination.
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