News

China Urges Actions to Deescalate Situation in Middle EastNew York, 3 Oct (ONA) --- China today called on the UN Security Council to take urgent actions to deescalate the situation in the Middle East after Israel carried out new airstrikes on Lebanon. "The Security Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security," Chinese (Xinhua) news agency quoted China's permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong as saying. He pointed out that parties concerned must return to the track of political and diplomatic ...

UNSecretary-General Stresses Urgent Need to End War on Gaza and LebanonNew York, 2 Oct (ONA) —- It is high time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, and to stop the cycle of escalation that is leading the people of the Middle East straight over the cliff, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed.In remarks to the Security Council's meeting on the situation in the Middle East today, Guterres said it is high time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the effective delivery of ...

UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Middle East Meeting, UN and EU Call for CeasefireNew York, 2 Oct (ONA) --- The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, the Swiss presidency of the Council announced. "We have scheduled a meeting" at 10:00 am New York time (1400 GMT), a spokesperson for the Swiss mission told reporters. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement "I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation." ...

Oman Follows Up Military Escalation in Region with Great Concern Muscat, 2 Oct (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman is following up, with great concern, the developments of military escalation in the region, noting the seriousness of its repercussions and stressing the significance of adopting self-restraint as a means to spare the region and its people the risks of wars. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman condemned the brutal aggression launched by Israel on Lebanese territories and the accompanying irresponsible political assassinations that violate ...

UN Peacekeeping Force Condemns Israel's Incursion into LebanonBeirut, 1 Oct (ONA) —- The United Nations' peacekeeping force in Lebanon has condemned Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon launched earlier today, saying it violates the country's "sovereignty and territorial integrity." The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been monitoring the situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border, said in a statement that it was notified by the Israeli army a day earlier about "their intention to undertake limited ground incursions into ...

UNICEF Appeals to International Community for $105 Million to Assist Families, Children in LebanonBeirut, 1 Oct (ONA) —- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today warned that "the dangerous escalation of the conflict in Lebanon has led to a rapidly deteriorating situation for children with needs outstripping the speed at which humanitarian agencies can respond with lifesaving interventions." UNICEF warning comes as it launches its appeal for USD 105 million over the next three months. In a statement published by Lebanon's National News Agency, ...

Israel Pushing Region Towards Chaos, Endangering Regional Peace: PakistanIslamabad, 1 Oct (ONA) —- Pakistan today strongly condemned Israeli entity's attacks on Palestine, Yemen, and Lebanon. "Israel's aggressive actions are pushing the region towards a broader conflict, which could escalate into a global war," Chairman of Pakistan's Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani warned. Israel's refusal to agree to a ceasefire was an attempt to plunge the region into further chaos, putting regional peace at risk, the Assoiated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted Gilani as saying. ...

War on Gaza Has Become Endless Nightmare: UNRWA Commissioner-GeneralGeneva, 1 Oct (ONA) — Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini said that after almost a year, the war on Gaza has become an "endless nightmare," adding that the Strip has become unlivable. Lazzarini affirmed at a press conference in Geneva that the people of Gaza are facing disease, death, and hunger, with mountains of garbage and sewage filling the streets, and are now trapped in 10 percent of the land after being in a state of ...

Oman Condemns Attack on UAE Diplomatic Mission in Khartoum Musat, 30 Sep (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has condemned the attack on the mission of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Khartoum. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman expressed its denunciation of these attacks, which, it said, constitute a clear violation of diplomatic conventions, customs and immunities granted to diplomatic buildings and diplomatic envoys. --- Ends/Bishara/AG ...

Inflation Hits 9-month Low on Cheaper Energy Costs in Italy Rome, 30 Sep (ONA) --- Consumer price inflation in Italy eased more than expected in September 2024, reaching the lowest level in nine months amid lower energy costs, the latest data from the statistical office showed today. Consumer price inflation slowed to 0.7% in September from 1.1% in August. The expected inflation rate was 0.8%. This was the weakest rate since December 2023, when prices had risen 0.6%. The slowdown in inflation was largely driven by an 8.7% fall in energy prices, faster than the 6.1% ...

IOF Murder 41,615 Palestinians, Injure 96,359 Others Since Beginning of Genocide on GazaGaza, 30 Sep (ONA) --- The Palestinian Ministry of Health today announced that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) murdered at least 41,615 Palestinian civilians and injured 96,359 others since the beginning of the genocide that the Israeli occupation has been committing against the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The ministry said in its daily report that the IOF committed two massacres against Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, slaughtering 20 civilians ...

UN Special Coordinator in Lebanon: Calls to Cease Fire Go UnheededBeirut, 30 Sep (QNA) --- The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert affirmed that "calls to cease fire go unheeded." According to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA), Plasschaert said in a post on the X platform today: "Lost under the beating drums of war is the voice of the silent majority: the women, men, and children who find themselves, yet again, helpless facing an uncertain future. A harsh reality looms as the calls to cease fire go unheeded." UN Secretary-General ...

GCC Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in LebanonRiyadh, 30 Sep (ONA) --- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called for an immediate ceasefire and avoiding military escalation in Lebanon. In a statement, GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi affirmed the GCC's steadfast stances in support of the fraternal Lebanese people and its continuous backing for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability. He emphasized the necessity of an immediate ceasefire and refraining from engaging in regional conflicts to prevent the expansion of the dispute in the ...

UN World Food Programme Launches Emergency Operation in LebanonRome, 29 Sep (ONA) --- The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun an emergency food operation for up to 1 million people affected by the conflict in Lebanon, the UN agency announced from Rome. The WFP says it is distributing ready-to-eat food rations, bread, hot meals and food parcels to families and has been able to reach more than 66,000 people in shelters across the country. Kitchens and hot meal operations have been set up in north and central Lebanon to prepare light meals. "Lebanon is at a breaking ...

Future of Region Depends on Resolving Palestinian Issue: Palestinian PresidencyRamallah, 29 Sep (ONA) --- The official spokesperson for the Palestinian Presidency Nabil Abu Rudeinah today affirmed that the entire region has entered a dangerous phase of instability, emphasizing that the only solution to ensure a secure and stable future lies in a just resolution to the Palestinian cause, in accordance with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative. Abu Rudeinah stressed that "the ongoing Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people, which has resulted in over ...

Nearly Two Million Displaced in Lebanon amid Ongoing Israeli AggressionBeirut, 29 Sep (ONA) --- Nearly two million Lebanese citizens have been displaced as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon over the past week, which has left hundreds dead and injured, according to a Lebanese government official. Minister of Environment in the caretaker government of Lebanon Nasser Yassin, who is coordinating the current crisis response, said in a press briefing that approximately one million Lebanese have been displaced due to the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon ...

Oman Participates in Conference on "Peace and Development in Arab and African Framework” Cairo, 29 Sep (ONA) ---- The Sultanate of Oman took part in a conference titled “Peace and Development in Arab and African Framework”, held at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo. Oman was represented by Abdullah Nassir Al Rahbi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Egypt and its Permanent Representative to the Arab League. The conference discussed the challenges of peace in the Arab region and the African continent, the opportunities for peace in the Arab and ...

UN Secretary-General Expresses Serious Concern About Escalation in LebanonNew York, 29 Sep (ONA) --- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed serious concern regarding the dramatic escalation of events in Beirut in the last 24 hours. According to a statement by the Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, Guterres affirmed, "This cycle of violence must stop now." The Secretary-General added, "All sides must step back from the brink." Moreover, he urged the parties to reaffirm their commitment to fully implement UN Security ...

Lebanon's Caretaker PM Calls for National Unity Amid ThreatsBeirut, 29 Sep (ONA) --- The Prime Minister of Lebanon's caretaker government Najib Mikati called on the Lebanese people to unite in solidarity in order to face the Israeli aggression on Lebanon affecting them all. In a statement during an emergency cabinet session, Mikati urged the Lebanese people to demonstrate national responsibility in such a way as to preserve national unity and solidarity, explaining that Lebanon's unity has been its strongest weapon in face of the Israeli enemy's criminal schemes and ...

Foreign Minister, UN Secretary-General Discuss Developments in Regional, International IssuesNew York, 29 Sep (ONA) --- Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), received Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.During the meeting, Guterres commended the efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, to enhance peace and security in the world and consolidate dialogue and multilateral cooperation in the region and ...

Oman’s Foreign Policy Advocates Dialogue, ToleranceNew York, 29 Sep (ONA) —- The Sultanate of Oman has stressed that its foreign policy is based on a solid vision in adopting the pillars of dialogue and tolerance as an approach to addressing all issues and challenges. This vision, Oman affirmed, seeks to achieve peace and establish relations based on mutual respect, positive cooperation and harmony among countries.This was stated in the Sultanate of Oman’s speech, delivered by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister before the UN 79th General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New ...

GCC-US Foreign Ministers Express Support for Establishment of Independent Palestinian StateNew York, 26 Sep (ONA) --- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States of America (US) held joint ministerial meeting in New York today. The meeting was co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, current chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council. The meeting saw the participation of GCC foreign ministers and GCC Secretary General Jasem Al Budaiwi.The Ministers underscored their ...

Oman Participates in G20, GCC-US Meetings in New York New York, 26 Sep (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman took part in the GCC-US Ministerial Meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. The Sultanate of Oman's delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi. During the meeting, the ministers exchanged views about regional matters, notably the Palestinian issue and the need for an immediate termination of the war in the Gaza Strip. They discussed calls to impose a ceasefire in Lebanon and work for ...

French-US Proposal for 21-Day Ceasefire in LebanonNew York, 26 Sep (ONA) —- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot revealed a joint proposal with the US for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to prevent the situation from developing into a full-scale war. "In recent days, we've worked with our American partners on a temporary ceasefire platform of 21 days to allow for negotiations," Barrot said during an emergency session of the UN Security Council (UNSC) held at the request of France. "This platform will be made public very soon, and we are counting on both ...

Israel Violates Lebanon's Sovereignty, Kills Civilians: Caretaker Prime MinisterNew York, 26 Sep (ONA) —- Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati affirmed that the Israeli entity is violating his country's sovereignty by sending warplanes and drones to its skies, killing civilians, destroying homes, and forcing families to flee under dire humanitarian conditions, spreading fear and terror among the Lebanese citizens in full view of the world. During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Mikati said that his country has become the victim of cyber, ...

Lebanon Cannot Become Another Gaza: UN Secretary-GeneralNew York, 26 Sep (ONA) —- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that Lebanon cannot afford to become another Gaza, noting that the international organization supports intensive international efforts to achieve a temporary ceasefire, which would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and pave the way for the resumption of a more lasting peace. "Despite the dangerous conditions, our peacekeepers remain in position," Guterres said during the emergency UN Security Council (UNSC) session to discuss ...

Undersecretary for Political Affairs Meets Iranian Official Muscat, 25 Sep (ONA) --- Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs today received Mohammad Ali Bek, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Aide to the Foreign Minister and Director General of the ministry’s Gulf department. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed regional relations and situations. They also explored means of enhancing bilateral cooperation in all fields to achieve joint interests. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed Hashel Al Maskari, Head of ...

Foreign Minister Conveys HM’s Greetings to Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Meets Officials in New York New York, 25 Sep (ONA) ---- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister conveyed greetings of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, along with the Sultanate of Oman’s greetings to Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and the people of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Brunei joining the United Nations. This came during a ceremony held under the patronage of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, within the context of the 79th General ...

Gaza Onslaught Murder Toll Reaches 41,495 MartyrsGaza, 25 Sep (ONA) —- The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli onslaught on it since October 7, has risen to 41,495 martyrs and 96,006 injured. Medical sources in Gaza reported that the Israeli occupation forces have committed 4 massacres against families in the Strip over the past 24 hours, killing at least 28 Palestinians and injuring 85 others. It added that scores of victims remain under the rubble, with emergency services unable of reaching them.The Gaza Strip and other occupied ...

UNRWA Commissioner-General Warns of Generation Loss in Gaza Under Israeli AggressionNew York, 25 Sep (ONA) —- Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini warned of the ongoing violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip, worsening daily in light of the continuing Israeli occupation aggression. According to the UN News website, Lazzarini said that more than 600,000 children in Gaza are living in the rubble and suffering from deep trauma, warning that the delay in ...