
Oman secures return of citizens, other nationals via Turkiye
Today, Oman received 294 evacuated Omani citizens at Muscat International Airport via the Republic of Turkiye, along with a number of nationals from other countries.
The Foreign Ministry expresses its deep appreciation for the integrated efforts of all relevant national authorities, particularly the support teams and field committees, as well as the constructive cooperation with the friendly Turkish authorities, which contributed to the smooth and safe execution of this phase.
The Ministry also affirms its commitment to proceeding with the subsequent phases of the evacuation plan through continuous coordination with parties concerned inside and outside Oman, ensuring the safety and secure return of citizens to their homeland.
With this phase, the total number of Omani citizens evacuated so far has risen to 1,188, while the number of other nationals whose return was facilitated stands at 281. This reflects Oman's humanitarian considerations and ongoing coordination efforts with brotherly and friendly nations.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
19 hours ago
- Times of Oman
US envoy visits Gaza aid site amid deepening starvation crisis
Gaza: United States special envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff arrived at a US-backed food aid site in Gaza on Friday, amid an escalating starvation crisis in the enclave, CNN reported. An Israeli source confirmed to CNN that Witkoff reached the controversial aid facility operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GFH). White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, addressing reporters on Thursday, said Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee were scheduled to visit Gaza "to inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground." Leavitt also said that Witkoff and Huckabee would "brief the president immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region," adding, "the White House will provide more details once that plan is approved and agreed on by the president of the United States," CNN reported. According to CNN, this marks Witkoff's second visit to Gaza. His first came shortly after Donald Trump assumed office in January, making him the first US official in over a decade to set foot in the enclave. The visit comes as the United States has recalled its negotiating team from Doha, where talks aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire were underway, CNN reported. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas' latest response "clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire." Posting on X, Witkoff said the US "will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza," without specifying what those options might be, CNN noted. Witkoff, who also travelled to Italy for consultations, added, "While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza." Following Hamas' response, Israel also recalled its delegation from Doha. However, an Israeli source told CNN the move should not be seen as a breakdown in negotiations, but rather as a step to facilitate decisions "that cannot be made remotely." CNN cited a separate official familiar with the talks as describing Hamas' response as "positive," adding that while gaps remain, "there is growing optimism that the gaps are narrowing and a deal can be reached." Despite this, CNN reported that the future of the negotiations remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the US is stepping back from talks or using the withdrawal as leverage. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. CNN reported that starvation deaths are rising daily, with Israeli restrictions limiting aid shipments. Aid deliveries remain vulnerable in the absence of a ceasefire. Under the Biden administration, the US had a dedicated official for humanitarian access to Gaza. CNN noted the Trump administration has not appointed a similar figure. Instead, US officials have blamed Hamas for the crisis and backed the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which they say helps prevent aid theft by Hamas. CNN reported repeated violence near GHF aid sites, with over 1,000 people killed while seeking aid, according to the United Nations. Local authorities say more than a dozen people have died of starvation in the past week. Asked about efforts to boost aid delivery without a ceasefire, State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, "We want to see end the devastation that has taken place in Gaza, that's why we have seen this commitment to get aid to the people who need it in a way where it is not weaponized by Hamas."


Times of Oman
20 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Taken note of US sanctions, looking into it: India's MEA
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday responded to the US announcement of sanctions on Indian companies involved in trading with Iran. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during weekly media briefing stated that India has taken note of the sanctions and is currently reviewing the situation. Jaiswal stated, "We have taken note of the sanctions, we are looking into it." The US has imposed sanctions on 20 entities involved in Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical trade, and is identifying 10 vessels as blocked property, including seven India-based companies. Jaiswal emphasised that India's energy sourcing decisions are based on market conditions and geopolitical developments. When asked about Trump's comment on India potentially buying oil from Pakistan, Jaiswal declined to comment, stating, "I have no comments to offer in this matter." This response comes after Trump announced a deal between the US and Pakistan to develop Pakistan's oil reserves. "We have just concluded a deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves," Trump posted on Truth Social. "We are in the process of choosing the oil company that will lead this partnership. Who knows, maybe they'll be selling oil to India some day!," Trump said. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India doesn't have any specific information on Indian oil companies stopping Russian oil purchases, emphasising that energy sourcing decisions are based on market availability and global circumstances. "You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, that we look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation or circumstances. We are not aware of any specifics," said Jaiswal. Jaiswal highlighted that India's relationship with Russia stands on its own merit, unaffected by third-party perspectives, emphasising a steady and time-tested partnership. "Our ties with any country, or all the ties that we have with various countries, stand on their own merit and should not be seen through the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership," said Jaiswal. Jaiswal reaffirmed the strong India-US partnership, anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and people-to-people ties, expressing confidence in the relationship's continued growth. "India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has withstood several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward," said Jaiswal. Recently, Trump has signed a fresh executive order imposing revised tariffs for 70 countries, including India and Pakistan, in a move that is expected to strain global trade relations further. Tariffs imposed on India's neighbouring countries are less than India's 25 per cent, except for Myanmar at 40 per cent. The new tariff for Pakistan is 19 per cent, Afghanistan 15 per cent , Bangladesh 20 per cent, Indonesia 19 per cent, Japan 15 per cent, and Sri Lanka 20 per cent. The new tariffs, outlined in a sweeping order signed on Friday (IST), will come into effect from 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 7. The executive order states that the revised tariffs are aimed at addressing the national emergency declared earlier under Executive Order 14257. Trump noted that he had "recently received, among other things", new information and had determined it "necessary and appropriate" to impose additional ad valorem duties on the goods of certain trading partners. These new duties will replace those previously imposed under the same order, as amended. Other countries on which the US imposed tariffs are higher than India include Iraq (35 per cent), Laos (40 per cent), Libya (30 per cent), Serbia (35 per cent), South Africa (30 per cent), Switzerland (39 per cent), and Syria (41 per cent). Countries that imposed lower tariffs than India include the UK (10 per cent), Vietnam (20 per cent), Taiwan (20 per cent ), and South Korea (15 per cent), to name a few. The order by Trump stated, "I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 by imposing additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners". The executive order further directs that these changes will apply to goods entering the US for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses on or after the effective date. However, goods already in transit before the deadline, loaded on vessels and en route before August 7 and entering the US before October 5, 2025, will not be subjected to the revised duties but will instead continue under the previously applicable tariff rates under the amended Executive Order 14257.


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Oman welcomes Canada, Malta for intent to recognize Palestinian State
Muscat - The Sultanate of Oman on Thursday welcomed the announcement by the Prime Ministers of Canada and Malta regarding their countries' intent to recognize the State of Palestine. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Oman commended this diplomatic development as a substantive and serious step toward upholding the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. The move reflects the international community's commitment to the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, advancing the goal of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.