Muscat – Oman’s Foreign Ministry in its fourth annual meeting with heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to the sultanate on Wednesday highlighted the urgent need to stop the war in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza topped the discussion with H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, saying that the meeting focused on the urgent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and “the need for a powerful global voice to stop this war, protect civilian lives and end the illegal occupation of Palestine”.

The annual meetings are held to exchange views on the economic and social development in the sultanate in addition to stating its foreign policy.

H E Sayyid Badr affirmed Oman’s firm position in condemning violations perpetrated by the Israeli forces and making all efforts and endeavours with countries and international organisations for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, stopping the escalation, and working on the urgent flow of humanitarian and relief aid.

The meeting was attended by H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harithi, Undersecretary for Political Affairs in the Foreign Ministry, H E Khalid bin Hashel al Musalhi, Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs, and a number of officials from the ministry.