Oman welcomes joint European statement rejecting Israeli settlement expansion

The Sultanate of Oman has officially expressed its support for a recent joint statement issued by a coalition of Western nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, and France, regarding the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. According to the Times of Oman, the Omani Foreign Ministry welcomed the international consensus, which rejects the ongoing development of settlements in occupied territories.

In its statement, Muscat emphasized that such expansionist policies represent a significant obstacle to achieving a lasting and just peace in the region. The Sultanate reiterated its commitment to international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions that define the status of the West Bank. By aligning itself with the European and North American signatories, Oman continues its long-standing policy of advocating for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.

This diplomatic move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as international scrutiny regarding land use in the West Bank intensifies. The Omani government has frequently utilized its diplomatic channels to call for de-escalation and the cessation of unilateral actions that undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state. The Ministry's endorsement of the joint statement serves as a formal reaffirmation of Oman's position on the international stage regarding the territorial integrity of the Palestinian territories.