Geneva: Oman says Palestine going through unprecedented crisis

The Sultanate of Oman affirmed its full support for the statement delivered by the delegation of the State of Palestine on behalf of the Arab Group before the Trade and Development Board of UNCTAD. It praised the recent report issued by the Secretariat, which comprehensively documents the devastating economic and humanitarian impact in of events the Palestinian territories since October 2023.

In its statement to the Board, delivered by Idris Alkhanjari, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and Other International Organizations, Oman expressed its appreciation for UNCTAD’s efforts in preparing the report, which it described as “valuable.” It stressed that the Palestinian territories are undergoing an “unprecedented, profound, and comprehensive” crisis that has led to the collapse of decades of accumulated development within a few months.

The Ambassador said that entire productive sectors have been destroyed, basic services have halted, and public revenues have witnessed a collapse, exacerbating financial shortfalls and reducing the purchasing power of families. He noted that the banking sector faces significant pressures due to a liquidity shortage and debt inflation, amidst increasing restrictions on movement and mobility, which have deepened the economic deterioration.

He said that the situation in Gaza is “extremely tragic”, explaining that the massive destruction has affected infrastructure, factories, health and educational facilities, and transport and energy networks, leading to the loss of basic economic necessities. He noted that reconstruction will require many years, huge investment, and clear international political will.

In this context, Oman stressed UNCTAD’s pivotal role in supporting Palestinian institutions through advanced economic analysis, capacity building, and the development of financial and commercial planning tools, in addition to coordinating international efforts.

Oman called upon the international community, especially the Trade and Development Board, to double political, financial, and technical support to assist Palestinians in confronting the crisis, affirming that the current support is not commensurate with the scale of the challenges.

Oman’s Permanent Representative identified three key priorities for dealing with the current situation. First linking urgent humanitarian aid to sustainable economic measures, including facilitating the entry of essential goods, easing restrictions on movement, and ensuring the flow of rightful revenues. Second launching an integrated reconstruction project for Gaza that rebuilds all infrastructure, human capital, and productive sectors, and third strengthening Palestinian institutions as a prerequisite for any developmental path, while emphasising the importance of continuing and expanding UNCTAD programmes.

Ambassador Alkhanjari concluded his statement by stressing that the crisis in the Palestinian territories is a “direct result of the occupation and the accumulation of its consequences”, emphasising that the responsibility towards the Palestinian people is not just technical or financial, but “moral, humanitarian, and developmental”.

He called for enhancing UNCTAD’s mandate and supporting its programs in the occupied Palestinian territories, and working collectively to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and build a strong economy that ensures their dignity and future.