GENEVA: The Sultanate of Oman reaffirmed its firm position supporting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent, sovereign state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Oman emphasised that supporting the Palestinian economy is not merely a response to the current crisis, but an investment in peace, stability, and the future of the entire region.
This came in the Sultanate of Oman’s statement before the 73rd session of the Trade and Development Board – UNCTAD on Agenda Item 6 concerning the report on UNCTAD assistance to the Palestinian people, delivered by Idris bin Abdulrahman al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and International Organisations in Geneva.
Al Khanjari expressed the Sultanate of Oman’s support for the statement presented by the delegation of the State of Palestine on behalf of the Arab Group, as well as the statements presented by the Group of 77 and China, and the Asia-Pacific Group.
He stated that the figures presented in the report clearly reflect the scale of the economic and humanitarian catastrophe facing the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 92 per cent of economic establishments in the Strip have been destroyed or damaged, while recovery and reconstruction needs are estimated at about $16.2 billion.
He said that these are not merely figures and economic indicators, but represent destroyed establishments, job opportunities, income sources, and livelihoods, which collectively constitute essential requirements for a dignified life and for rebuilding a sustainable developmental future for the Palestinian people.
Al Khanjari added that the UNCTAD report demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Palestinian economy faces today a deep and unprecedented crisis, which has sharply intensified since October 2023, under the restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy and the resulting weakening of its capacity for production, trade, and investment, as well as the erosion of the foundations of its growth and sustainability.
He pointed out that reconstruction should not be viewed merely as a process of physical rebuilding, but rather as an integrated developmental and humanitarian project closely linked to protecting the Palestinian individual and safeguarding their right to a dignified life, particularly in light of the sharp deterioration in food security levels and livelihoods.
He stated that the Sultanate of Oman stresses that addressing the impacts of the economic crisis in Palestine cannot be limited to treating its direct consequences, but must address its root structural causes, including the continuation of the Israeli occupation and the resulting control over resources, imposition of restrictions on the movement of persons and goods, disruption of economic and commercial activity, and undermining of production and development foundations, which prevents the Palestinian people from building a sustainable and self-reliant economy.
Oman’s Representative emphasised that recovery and reconstruction require a comprehensive and sustainable international response that goes beyond providing emergency assistance to rebuilding infrastructure, restoring productive capacities, supporting the private sector and small and medium enterprises, reactivating commercial movement, enhancing the resilience of the Palestinian economy, and creating the necessary conditions to achieve long-term recovery and growth.
He also affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman attaches importance to UNCTAD’s continued role in providing objective economic analysis, technical assistance, and building Palestinian national capabilities, in a manner that complements the efforts of the United Nations system and the international community, thereby contributing to enhancing the capacity of Palestinian institutions and the economy to face current challenges and prepare for the recovery and rebuilding phase.
Al Khanjari noted that reconstruction and sustainable development cannot be separated from achieving a just and lasting peace, and that economically and developmentally empowering the Palestinian people requires addressing the causes impeding their ability to achieve sustainable development.
Al Khanjari expressed his thanks to the UNCTAD Secretariat for its report on assistance provided to the Palestinian people, and for its continuous efforts in monitoring economic developments, providing technical assistance, building capacities, and supporting the resilience of the Palestinian economy. — ONA
