The Sultanate of Oman has reaffirmed its firm support for the Palestinian people’s right to self determination and to establish their independent, sovereign state along the borders of  June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. Oman affirmed 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 was set out in the statement delivered Oman during the 73rd session of the Trade and Development Board of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), under agenda item six concerning the report on UNCTAD assistance to the Palestinian people. The statement was delivered by Ambassador Idris bin Abdulrahman Al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and international organisations in Geneva.

Ambassador Al Khanjari expressed the Oman’s support for the statement delivered by the delegation of the State of Palestine on behalf of the Arab Group, as well as the statements delivered by the Group of 77 and China and the Asia Pacific Group.

He said 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. Around 92% of economic establishments in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, while recovery and reconstruction needs are estimated at approximately USD 16.2 billion.

He explained that these are not merely figures and economic indicators. They represent businesses, employment opportunities, sources of income and livelihoods that have been destroyed. Together, these constitute the essential foundations of a dignified life and of rebuilding a sustainable development future for the Palestinian people.

He added that the UNCTAD report demonstrates beyond doubt that the Palestinian economy is facing a profound and unprecedented crisis. The situation has deteriorated sharply since October 2023 amid restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy, which have weakened its capacity for production, trade and investment and eroded the foundations of its growth and sustainability.

He noted that reconstruction should not be viewed solely as a process of rebuilding physical infrastructure. It should be regarded as a comprehensive development and humanitarian project closely linked to protecting Palestinians and safeguarding their right to a dignified life, particularly amid the severe deterioration in food security and livelihoods.

He stated that Oman considers that addressing the effects of the economic crisis in Palestine cannot be limited to dealing with its immediate consequences. It must also address the crisis’s root causes and structural factors, including the continuing Israeli occupation and its resulting control of resources, restrictions on the movement of people and goods, disruption of economic and commercial activity and erosion of the foundations of production and development. These factors prevent the Palestinian people from building a sustainable and self reliant economy.

He said that recovery and reconstruction require a comprehensive and sustainable international response that goes beyond emergency assistance. This response should include rebuilding infrastructure, restoring productive capacity, supporting the private sector and small and medium sized enterprises, revitalising trade, strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian economy and creating the conditions necessary for long term recovery and growth.

He also affirmed that Oman attaches importance to UNCTAD’s continued role in providing objective economic analysis, technical assistance and Palestinian national capacity building. These efforts should complement those of the United Nations system and the international community, strengthen the ability of Palestinian institutions and the economy to confront current challenges and prepare for recovery and reconstruction.

Ambassador Al Khanjari said that reconstruction and sustainable development cannot be separated from the achievement of a just and lasting peace. Economically empowering the Palestinian people and enabling their development require addressing the factors that hinder their ability to achieve sustainable development.

The Ambassador thanked the UNCTAD secretariat for its report on assistance to the Palestinian people and for its continuing efforts to monitor economic developments, provide technical assistance, build capacity and support the resilience of the Palestinian economy.