WANA (May 18) – Speaking on the opening day of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi devoted his remarks to the Palestinian issue, describing the ongoing violence as a profound human and global tragedy.

 

“I want to take today’s opportunity to focus on the question of Palestine,” al-Busaidi said. “The violence and mass killing the Palestinian people are currently facing is a human and global catastrophe—one that should never have occurred.”

 

The Omani diplomat condemned Israel’s ongoing violations of international law, stating that the international community has failed to take meaningful action to promote dialogue or alleviate Palestinian suffering.

 

“The truth and the facts surrounding the Palestinian issue clearly indicate that the genocide and repression faced by the Palestinian people is a human and global tragedy. It is a tragedy that should never have been allowed to reach this point,” he stressed.

 

Al-Busaidi further lamented the absence of a credible partner for dialogue. “The Palestinians no longer have a trustworthy partner for negotiations. Instead, we have witnessed successive Israeli governments reject serious and rational engagement on the issue.”

 

He emphasized that the Israeli government continues to flout international law, while the global community has failed to exert any effective pressure that could initiate dialogue or alleviate injustice.

 

“One of the persistent challenges,” he noted, “has been that those who were supposed to facilitate dialogue preemptively decided who could be engaged and who should be excluded. These unrealistic conditions have obstructed the path to meaningful negotiations.”

 

However, al-Busaidi struck a cautiously optimistic note, pointing to signs of a potential shift in Washington’s approach. “What gives me some hope and optimism in recent months is the emergence of indications that a new approach might be taking shape in Washington. Based on some recent decisions, I personally feel that the United States may be developing a new policy.”

 

He cited interviews conducted the previous day suggesting that there had been contact between the U.S. government and the Hamas movement.

 

The Omani foreign minister also expressed confidence that former U.S. President Donald Trump possesses both the will and the capability to help establish peace.

 

“This in itself signals that even amid this horrific situation and widespread destruction, there is a renewed desire to initiate dialogue—dialogue that we all know is essential, even if Tel Aviv still hopes to derail it through intensified military conflict.”

 

Al-Busaidi acknowledged that negotiations in this context are far from easy but affirmed Oman’s unwavering commitment to the difficult path of dialogue.

 

He concluded by commending the Tehran conference for its role in fostering dialogue, adding, “Resolving disputes through dialogue is indeed possible.”