As we mark a year since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, it is crucial to recognise that the situation has not improved but rather deteriorated.
Reports from organisations like Amnesty International highlight a stark failure by Israeli authorities to facilitate aid delivery or meet basic humanitarian needs.
As of now, reports indicate that approximately 42,000 Palestinians have been killed, with a significant percentage being civilians, including children.
The humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels due to continuous bombardment and a blockade that restricts essential supplies such as food, water and medical aid.
Amnesty International has highlighted stark failure by Israeli authorities to facilitate aid delivery or meet basic humanitarian needs.
The Israeli government has been committing acts that could be classified as ‘genocide’ under international law. These include systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, cutting off humanitarian aid, and creating conditions that threaten the very existence of the Palestinian people.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued orders for immediate measures to protect Palestinians and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need; however, compliance from Israel remains lacking.
While there are widespread protests advocating for Palestinian rights and calling for an end to what many describe as genocide, governments allied with Israel have often remained silent or supportive of Israeli actions under the guise of self-defence.
This complicity raises moral questions about international obligations to prevent genocide.
During the past year, Oman has emerged as a voice advocating for peace amidst this turmoil. The Sultanate of Oman emphasises that lasting stability in the region can only be achieved through dialogue and mutual recognition between Israelis and Palestinians.
Oman’s position aligns with broader Arab sentiment that recognises Israel’s right to exist while also affirming Palestinian aspirations for statehood. This dual recognition is essential for fostering an environment conducive to peace negotiations.
The two-state solution remains widely regarded as the most viable framework for resolving this long-standing conflict. It envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, allowing both peoples to coexist peacefully within secure borders.
However, achieving this goal requires genuine commitment from all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue and address core issues such as borders, security arrangements, refugees and Jerusalem’s status.
Peace cannot be achieved by simply containing Iran, eliminating Hamas, or defeating Hezbollah. Such policies fail to address the crisis in any meaningful way. The supporters of Israel speak in the name of international law while repeatedly preventing its implementation in the case of Palestine, and this must change now.
Respect for international law must be real not in words but through action.
It is imperative that individuals and nations take action against these atrocities. Advocacy for an arms embargo against Israel, support for humanitarian efforts in Gaza, and pressure on governments to uphold international law are critical steps needed to address this crisis effectively.
The call from Oman serves as a reminder that reconciliation is possible if there is political will from both sides to prioritise dialogue over conflict.
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