TEHRAN – In the past three months, the Sultanate of Oman, as a unified nation and government, has expressed support for the oppressed people of Palestine and the Resistance forces, collectively known as the Axis of Resistance.

Presently, both the government and the people of Oman can be recognized as advocates for the Palestinian cause and the Axis of Resistance during hard times.

During these recent three months, the people and the government of Oman have united in a distinctive manner, departing from conventional norms. They openly and actively expressed their support for Palestinians, tailoring it to the Omani context. In reaction to Israel's cruel assaults on Gaza, Oman revoked the previous approval for Israeli planes to transit towards East Asia and vice versa, a permission granted just a few months ago. Throughout these three months, Oman's Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs dedicated Friday sermons and prayers to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine.

In a show of support for Palestine, Oman canceled major national celebrations, refrained from New Year festivities, and called off various festivals and concerts in Muscat. Oman promptly provided financial aid to Palestine during the ceasefire. Conversely, as restrictions eased in universities and schools, anti-American sentiments and calls for the bombing of Tel Aviv were noticed in the main square of Sultan Qaboos University. Schools organized programs without facing government opposition.

One school program, raising concerns among Israeli experts and media, showcased students marching in attire resembling the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, armed with wooden weapons. Such actions are notably unconventional in Oman. The Omani government authorized the media to depict Israeli actions without censorship and permitted unrestricted criticism of Israel. Experts, academics, and media figures freely expressed their opinions, with some prominent political figures and political analysts openly endorsing the actions and ideals of the Axis of Resistance.

Furthermore, authorities granted permission for unrestricted gatherings in central squares and key locations across all cities in Oman. On multiple occasions, Oman's citizens passionately chanted critical and harsh slogans in front of the embassies of the United States and the United Kingdom. Harnessing this newfound open atmosphere, the people of Oman continued to express their solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause in diverse ways. Substantial campaigns were launched to boycott production and services companies that back Israel, to the extent that these companies were forced to comfort citizens, and in some cases even close their branches.

Oman's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Khalili, has emerged as a prominent religious leader in the Islamic world given the space created by the Omani government. Feeling unrestricted, he has passionately backed Palestine, raising hopes that he might issue a fatwa endorsing jihad against Israel. Sultan Haitham, through a statement, condemned Israel's war crimes, and Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled Israeli rulers as war criminals who should be tried in international courts. Additionally, the notable presence of Oman's Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the international conference on Palestine in Tehran underscored a significant diplomatic move.

Despite expressing its stance on the Axis of Resistance cautiously, Oman, considering its policies and actions, can indeed be regarded as a friend of this alliance. While the Yemeni Ansarullah resistance movement conducts operations against Israel in support of the Palestinian cause, Oman not only refrains from confining them to its diplomatic capital, Muscat, but actively supports their endeavors. Oman rejects the use of its bases, controlled by the United States and the United Kingdom, for actions against Yemen and closes its airspace to any military aircraft. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned attacks on Yemen in a statement, explicitly pointing fingers at the United Kingdom and the United States. Amid challenges faced by supporters of the Axis of Resistance in other countries surrounding the Persian Gulf, Omanis, led by the Grand Mufti, actively collaborate with the Axis of Resistance, maintaining a robust stance, while the Omani government refrains from interfering with their activities.

After the Al-Aqsa Storm Operation, Oman demonstrated a noticeable shift in its approach to the Palestinian issue. An American institution, in an article, highlighted that Oman has departed from its longstanding moderate stance. Today, Oman stands out as an exemplary supporter of Palestine among Persian Gulf countries, providing unwavering support without double standards. In contrast, while Qatar hosts Hamas leaders and seems supportive of the Palestinian resistance, it allows the use of American bases on its soil for an attack against Ansarullah, a genuine supporter of Palestine.

While Saudi Arabia and the UAE are aiding Israel in various ways and have restricted public support for Palestine and denunciation of Israel, Oman actively supports Palestinian resistance and the Axis of Resistance through diplomatic channels, public discourse, media, and practical actions.