Oman to open embassy in West Bank

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is welcoming Oman’s decision to open an embassy in the Palestinian territories, considering this a natural step following the sultanate’s approach and stances toward the Palestinian people, their issues, cause and rights. However, a number of Palestinians are questioning Oman's motives in the matter.

The Foreign Ministry said June 26 that opening an embassy would deepen, develop and promote bilateral relations between the two countries and would bolster joint coordination between the heads of the two countries about certain issues. The ministry also underlined that it would work to facilitate the actual implementation of this step to serve the interests of Palestinians and Omanis. In light of its growing relationship with Israel, Oman has recently sought to bring together both the Palestinian and Israeli positions to settle the Palestinian cause.