News

UN Chief 'Deeply Alarmed' by Israeli Strike on Al-Ahli Hospital in GazaNew York, 15 Apr (ONA) --- The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply alarmed" at Sunday's strike by Israeli occupation forces on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. "Under international humanitarian law, wounded and sick, medical personnel and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected," the UN chief said in a statement. He said the attack dealt "a severe blow to an already devastated healthcare system in the Strip", adding there was strong concern ...

OCHA: Gaza Humanitarian Crisis 'Likely the Worst' Since Start of WarNew York, 15 Apr (ONA) --- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "likely the worst" since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the besieged enclave in October 2023, amid a continued blockade on humanitarian aid. In its latest statement, OCHA said, "The humanitarian situation is now likely the worst it has been in the past 18 months since the start of the war," highlighting that no aid shipments have entered ...

Israeli Occupation Shoots, Injures Three Palestinians in RamallahOccupied Jerusalem, 14 Apr (ONA) --- The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) shot and injured three Palestinians today in the Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah, the West Bank.Palestinian News Agency (Wafa) reported, citing Palestinian sources, that the IOF stormed the camp and shot a young man in the abdomen with live bullets, and others in the knee and hand.This comes amid escalating Israeli attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In recent months, the IOF has intensified raids, arrests, ...

Israel Wages War, Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza: Affirms Doctors Without Borders Geneva, 14 Apr (ONA) --- Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed that Israel is carrying out an ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, with the Israeli military doctrine based on the principle of indiscriminate retaliation.Head of the Regional Media Office of Doctors Without Borders Inas Abu Khalaf commented on the Israeli missile attack that targeted the Baptist Hospital east of Gaza City yesterday Sunday, and explained that the scenario of targeting Gaza hospitals is recurring with increasing violence, while ...

Arab Parliament Welcomes Oman’s Hosting of US-Iran NegotiationsCairo, 13 Apr (ONA) —— The Arab Parliament has welcomed the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of the first round of direct negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing hope that these talks would contribute to enhancing regional and global security and stability.The Arab Parliament praised Oman’s pivotal role and sincere efforts in hosting these discussions, which reflect its enduring commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and stability. It added that Oman’s hosting of ...

Oman-Morocco Joint Committee Holds Session Muscat, 13 April (ONA) —The Joint Omani-Moroccan Committee today held its 7th session under the co-chairmanship of Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. in his speech Sayyid Badr underscored the depth of historic and fraternal relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Morocco. These relations, he affirmed, are based on trust and mutual respect as a result of the directions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham ...

Foreign Minister, Jordanian Counterpart Review Development of Iran-US Talks Muscat, 13 Apr (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan reviewed today during a telephonic call the regional developments. The two ministers discussed the talks held in Muscat between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Jordanian minister expressed Jordan’s support for the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts in furnishing a climate ...

Jordan Welcomes Oman's Hosting of Iran-US TalksAmman, 13 Apr (ONA) —- The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan welcomed the Sultanate of Oman's hosting of high-level talks between the United States of America (USA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Jordan affirmed its support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and enhancing regional and international security and peace, while commending Oman's role in facilitating these talks, which contribute to achieving security and stability in the region.—- Ends/Khalid ...

Egypt Welcomes Oman's Hosting of Iran-US TalksCairo, 13 Apr (ONA) —- The Arab Republic of Egypt welcomed the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of the talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America (USA). Egypt commended Oman’s constructive, vital, and ongoing role in supporting the pursuit of political and peaceful solutions amid the significant challenges facing the region, as well as its efforts to reduce political tensions.In its statement, the Arab Republic of Egypt affirmed its full support for Oman’s sincere efforts and all endeavors aimed at reaching ...

Foreign Minister, Qatari PM Review Regional DevelopmentsMuscat, Apr 13 (ONA) —- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, discussed during a phone call the latest regional developments, including the ongoing talks in Muscat between the United States of America (USA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani commended the positive role played by the Sultanate of Oman in promoting dialogue channels, affirming Qatar’s support for ...

Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Kuwaiti CounterpartMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— A phone call took place between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait.The call addressed regional developments, including the US-Iran talks hosted in Muscat.The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for Oman’s efforts in promoting dialogue, reaffirming Kuwait’s support for endeavors aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.—— Ends/AH ...

Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from UAE Deputy PremierMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received a phone call from Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).During the call, the latest developments on the regional scene were discussed, particularly the talks hosted by the Sultanate of Oman between the United States of America (USA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed the deep appreciation of the UAE for the positive role and wise ...

Foreign Minister, Saudi Counterpart Discuss Iranian-American Talks in Phone CallMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and His Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a telephone conversation.The two sides discussed developments in the talksbetween the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, held in Muscat.The Saudi Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for Oman’s efforts in fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue, stressing the importance of these endeavors ...

Foreign Minister, Bahraini Counterpart Hold Phone CallMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, held a telephone conversation.The two sides discussed regional developments, including the talks in Muscat between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.Dr. Al Zayani expressed his appreciation for Oman’s efforts in fostering a conducive environment for dialogue, voicing hope that these efforts would contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region and ...

GCC Secretary-General Welcomes Oman’s Hosting of Iranian-American TalksRiyadh, 13 Apr (ONA) ——Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has welcomed the Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America.He emphasized Oman’s wise approach in promoting dialogue and building bridges of understanding between nations, as well as its steadfast commitment to supporting and enhancing security and stability in the region.In a statement, stated that the GCC member states consistently seek, through their ...

Iranian Foreign Minister Expresses Gratitude to OmanMuscat, 13 Apr (ONA) —— Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi extended his thanks to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting talks in Muscat, and for its mediation efforts between his country and the United States.He stated, "We held a constructive and promising round of talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in an atmosphere of mutual respect, hosted and mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi."He noted that both sides agreed to continue these efforts in the coming days.—— Ends/AH ...

US Expresses Gratitude to Oman for Hosting US-Iran TalksWashington, 13 Apr (ONA) —— The US government has extended its deep appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting American-Iranian talks in Muscat.A statement issued by the White House affirmed that US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff held discussions in Muscat with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi, hosted by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister.The statement emphasized that the talks were highly positive and constructive, marking an important step toward achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. Both ...

Oman Hosts Historic Meeting Between Iran, USAMuscat, 12 Apr (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman hosted in Muscat today a meeting between Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran and Steve Witkoff, US Presidential Envoy to begin a process of dialogue and negotiations between the two sides.Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister said: “I am proud to announce that today in Muscat we hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi and US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediated to begin a process of dialogue and negotiations with the shared aim of concluding a fair and binding ...

Korea to Hold Presidential Elections on 3 June Seoul, 8 Apr (ONA) --- The government of the Republic of Korea has formally designated 3 June as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.The designation was made at a Cabinet meeting four days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December, Yonhap News Agency reported.Under the Constitution, the country is required to hold a new election within 60 days after a vacancy arises in the presidency. The early ...

Israeli Occupation Forces Detain 35 Palestinians in West BankOccupied Jerusalem, 8 Apr (ONA) --- The Israeli occupation forces have arrested 35 Palestinians overnight during their incursion into many areas across the West Bank, among them former prisoners.Palestine's News Agency (WAFA) reported that the arrests were primarily focused on the Nablus, the Bethlehem, the Hebron, and the Ramallah. These acts were accompanied by systematic field interrogations, holding the Palestinians as hostages, converting homes into military barracks, and the destruction of infrastructure on ...

Israeli Bombing Kills Palestinian Civilian, Injuries Others in Southern Gaza CityGaza, 8 Apr (ONA) --- A Palestinian was killed and others were injured today after Israeli warplanes targeted several houses near the university college south of Gaza City.The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported that last night, Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes targeting a house near the Al-Abrar Mosque, near the royal palace in the Al Barakah area, southwest of Deir Al Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, killing nine people.The Israeli occupation forces have continued their aggression on the ...

Foreign Minister Meets Bhutan PM, Foreign Minister, Minister of External Trade Thimphu, 7 Apr (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister met here today with Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan. This took place within the framework of the official visit paid by the Foreign Minister to Bhutan. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation and means of enhancing them in various fields, especially in the economic, trade and investment spheres. Both sides underscored the importance of exchanging visits ...

King of Bhutan Receives Foreign Minister Thimphu, 7 Apr (ONA) --- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of the Kingdom of Bhutan received today Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, at the Royal Palace in the capital city Thimphu. The Foreign Minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the King of Bhutan, along with His Majesty’s best wishes to him of continued good health and wellbeing. He also conveyed His Majesty’s wishes for further progress and prosperity for the friendly Bhutanese people and for the steady growth and ...

Palestine Foreign Ministry Calls for Immediate Measures to Stop Israeli Occupation's Crimes, Genocide Ramallah, 7 Apr (ONA) --- The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for immediate measures to stop the war of genocide, displacement, and crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces and colonists against Palestinians, and to ensure international protection, especially for children. A ministry statement slammed the execution of a Palestinian child in an occupation raid on the town of Turmus Ayya, northeast of Ramallah, and wounding two others by live ammunition ...

UNRWA Warns: Aid Stocks in Gaza Running Out New York, 7 Apr (ONA) --- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said that humanitarian aid stocks in the Gaza Strip are getting low and the situation is becoming desperate. In a statement, UNRWA said that this comes as Israeli occupation forces have banned the entry of aid and commercial supplies into the Strip for over a month now. It highlighted that the Agency carries on providing assistance with whatever remaining supplies. UNRWA added: "The siege must ...

Israeli Occupation Military Changes Initial Account of Gaza Aid Worker Killings Al-Quds, 6 Apr (ONA) --- The Israeli occupation military has provided new details that changed its initial account of the killing of 15 emergency workers near the southern Gaza city of Rafah last month, but said investigators were still examining the evidence. The 15 paramedics and emergency responders were shot dead on 23 March 2025 by Israeli occupation army and buried in a shallow grave where their bodies were found a week later by officials from the United Nations and the Palestinian Red ...

Murder Toll from Israeli Aggression on Gaza Rises to 50,695 Gaza, 6 Apr (ONA) --- The murder toll from the Israeli occupation's aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 50,695 martyrs in addition to 115,338 wounded since 7 October 2023. In its daily report, Palestine's Ministry of Health said that 26 martyrs and 113 wounded arrived at the Strip's hospitals over the past 24 hours. It added that the murder toll and injuries since the renewed Israeli aggression on 18 March 2025 has reached 1,335 martyrs and 3,297 wounded. It noted that a number of victims are under ...

Iranian FM: Response to Trump Letter Preserves Diplomacy, Keeps Possibilities Open Tehran, 6 Apr (ONA) --- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated today that Iran's response to a letter from US President Donald Trump regarding negotiations for a new nuclear agreement preserved the opportunity for diplomacy, while reaffirming Tehran's readiness to engage in indirect negotiations. According to Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), Araghchi noted ...

Two Martyrs, Multiple Injured in Israeli Shelling of Northern Gaza StripGaza, 6 Apr (ONA) --- Two Palestinians were martyred and several others injured in Israeli shelling targeting the northern Gaza Strip today. Medical sources said that Israeli shelling targeted the town of Jabalia, killing two people and wounding others. The murder toll from the ongoing Israeli shelling of the Gaza Strip has reached 48 within 24 hours. Since 7 October 2023, the Israeli occupation forces have launched an offensive on the Gaza Strip, killing 50,669 Palestinians, the majority of ...

UNICEF: 21 Malnutrition Treatment Centers Closed in Gaza As Israeli Aggression Resumed Ramallah, 6 Apr (ONA) --- Spokesperson for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Kazem Abu Khalaf announced today the closure of 21 malnutrition treatment centers in Gaza due to the resumption of the Israeli occupation's aggression and the issuance of evacuation orders in the affected areas. Speaking to reporters, Abu Khalaf explained that UNICEF is awaiting the release of a report from the Food Security Classification Commission in the Gaza Strip. He pointed out that the ...