Sayyid Badr, Haniyeh discuss Gaza ceasefire proposal

Muscat – H E Sayyid Badr Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, discussed a Gaza ceasefire proposal in a phone call with Dr Ismail Haniyeh, Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, on Tuesday.

Haniyeh affirmed Hamas’ acceptance of the proposal and the Palestinian side’s support for the ceasefire in an effort to ease tensions, stop bloodshed and secure the return of displaced people to their residences. The proposal also provides for the release of prisoners and hostages, lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip and allowing supply of humanitarian and relief aid.

H E Sayyid Badr welcomed the proposal and expressed Oman’s appreciation of efforts exerted by Egypt and Qatar in association with the US administration.

On his part, Haniyeh thanked and appreciated Oman’s support for the Palestinian cause.

Oman expresses deep concern

The sultanate has expressed deep concern over Israeli forces’ continued military escalation, war crimes and genocide against unarmed civilians in Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Oman cautioned against the dire consequences of the military operations which Israeli occupation forces intend to carry out by storming Rafah. ‘Such action portends serious catastrophic impacts that may expand the conflict and tension in the region,’ Oman added.

The sultanate urged the international community to immediately intervene to stop the war and end ongoing Israeli violations.