The situation in the Gaza Strip has prompted Arab and Islamic countries to take action. Two emergency summits are being organized with the goal of addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and formulating a unified response. This includes calls for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of safe corridors for humanitarian aid.
Since October 7th, the region has witnessed a deepening humanitarian and security crisis. Israel’s indiscriminate bombing, destruction of Palestinian homes, and the displacement and killing of civilians, coupled with a suffocating siege on Gaza, have resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe that contravenes international humanitarian law.
In response to the urgent situation, the Arab League, at the request of the State of Palestine and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which currently presides over the thirty-second Arab Summit, has scheduled an emergency summit for November 11, 2023, in Riyadh. This summit will address the situations in Gaza, the escalating Israeli military operations, and actions to advance the broader Palestinian cause, as well as Arab initiatives on the international stage to end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories seized in 1967.
Furthermore, at the request of Saudi Arabia, acting as the current chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, an emergency summit will be held on November 12, 2023, also in Riyadh. This summit will specifically discuss the Israeli aggression against Gaza, which has continued for 32 consecutive days.
The Sultanate of Oman has consistently demonstrated its strong commitment to addressing the Gaza crisis and supporting the Palestinian people. Through diplomatic and humanitarian channels, Oman has expressed solidarity and utilized its diplomatic role in a balanced and composed foreign policy.
Oman is also urging the international community to conduct an impartial investigation into Israel’s aggression and to hold Israel accountable for deliberately targeting Gaza’s civilian population. Oman condemns the occupation forces’ attacks on critical infrastructure, the denial of access to humanitarian aid, and the imposition of a siege and collective punishment on Palestinians.
