Sultanate of Oman Condemns Israeli Settlement Activities on Palestinian Lands

Muscat, August 21 (KUNA) -- Oman today condemned Israeli settlement activities on Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank, describing these unilateral and illegal measures as a “blatant violation of international law,” including the Fourth Geneva Convention and relevant Security Council resolutions. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that these actions undermine the international community’s will to achieve a two-state solution and establish an independent State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. It added that settlement expansion would undermine peace prospects and deepen instability in the region, “which contradicts the goal sought by the international community of reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.” The Sultanate called on the international community to unify its stance in condemning these measures and to take practical and tangible steps ensuring accountability under international law, emphasizing “the necessity for Israel to comply with its legal obligations and to immediately halt all settlement activities.” The statement further affirmed that achieving a just and lasting peace “can only be attained through respect for international law and safeguarding the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state.” (End) M.J.B. / A.M.S.