Muhammed Sabry
31 October 2023•Update: 31 October 2023
MUSCAT, Oman
The Gulf nation of Oman on Tuesday called for an independent investigation of the Israeli attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip to hold it accountable for the deliberate targeting of civilians.
“Oman believes that the international community should intervene to stop this war on Gaza and deter Israel from violating international law and continuing its military operations that result in the killing of civilians within the Gaza Strip, as well as the demolition of infrastructure, buildings, and residential areas,” Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi told state news agency ONA.
The top diplomat said Israel’s military response in Gaza “is excessively disproportionate, particularly in targeting civilians.”
“It should not be forgotten that the Palestinian people also have the right to self-defense,” he added.
Al Busaidi said the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza is considered “a precursor to genocide.”
“The blockade of Gaza, which prevents civilians from accessing water, electricity, food, and fuel, is an unlawful act and can be considered a war crime. These collective measures are prohibited under Article 33 of the Geneva Convention,” he asserted.
Al Busaidi called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the establishment of a truce monitored by independent United Nations observers.
“The world must also formulate urgent plans to provide direct and immediate humanitarian aid and necessities to the Gaza Strip,” he said.
Since last weekend, the Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.
More than 10,000 people have been killed in the Gaza conflict, including 8,525 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.
