In a pivotal diplomatic exchange, Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Oman’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, engaged in a significant phone call with Lord Tariq Ahmad, the British Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations, and the Commonwealth. The dialogue focused on bolstering the longstanding relationship between Oman and the United Kingdom across various sectors.
Central to the discussion was the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip following Israeli aggression. Both parties emphasized the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire and stressed the critical importance of unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and medical assistance through Gaza’s border crossings.
It is pertinent to note that the UK along with the US has trebled its aid commitment to the Gaza.
In a parallel development, approximately 150 tonnes of UK aid, including over 13,000 blankets and 840 family-sized tents, entered Gaza on Wednesday only. This aid, facilitated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is slated for distribution among those most in need.
Furthermore, a comprehensive field hospital, funded by UK Aid and operated by UK-Med, is set to arrive this week. The facility, fully equipped to address varying medical needs on the ground, typically includes essential services such as a pharmacy, triage area, major injuries and resuscitation unit, and maternity care tent.
“The UK’s largest aid delivery, combined with a new UK funded field hospital, will save lives. However too many people in Gaza are suffering. We need an immediate pause in the fighting. It is the only way to get aid into Gaza in the quantities desperately needed,” the Foreign Secretary said.
Moreover, the Foreign Secretary has also announced a further £10 million in aid funding for the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), bringing the total spend to over £100 million this financial year.
