Sultan of Oman, US president discuss Gaza conflict

CAIRO, Egypt

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq on Friday received a phone call from US President Joe Biden, and the two discussed a range of issues including the ongoing situation in Gaza, state media reported.

The two leaders reviewed fields of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged viewpoints on regional and international issues of common concern, particularly the latest developments in Palestine, according to Oman News Agency.

The Omani ruler "underscored the importance of halting military operations in Gaza Strip and West Bank, protecting civilians and according top priority to humanitarian aspect."

He also stressed the importance of resorting to resolutions of international legitimacy, international humanitarian law, and underlined the Palestinians’ right to establish their independent state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel has launched incessant air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Palestinian resistance group Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 11,078 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women since then. The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,600, according to official figures.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi