BAHRAIN has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, and called for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation in the Gaza Strip.
This came as Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah yesterday, and reaffirmed Bahrain’s opposition to the siege imposed on the residents of Gaza and their displacement from their homes.
He called for a resumption of the peace process to reach a comprehensive and just political settlement of the Palestinian issue that would end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and preserve security and stability in the region.
He said that priority should be given to the protection of civilians on both sides of the conflict and that any action that results in the loss of innocent lives must be condemned, adding that the international community must stand united against the killing of children, women, the elderly and civilians wherever they are, as their death will not solve the fundamental issue but will create angry and vengeful generations.
The minister also reaffirmed Bahrain’s support to the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation as the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people.
He stressed the importance of giving the Palestinian people their legitimate right to establish their independent state on their own land with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions.
He reiterated the kingdom’s call for a ceasefire and de-escalation in the Gaza Strip, the need to protect civilians, release of hostages and detainees, and the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid to the Palestinians in Gaza to alleviate their suffering.
Dr Al Zayani expressed appreciation to the UN General Assembly for adopting a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, which was adopted by 120 votes, noting that the world is demanding action to stop the war, and that it is time to respond to these demands.
He called for greater efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire that guarantees the safety and security of all parties.
He also noted that coexistence between a safe Israeli state and a viable Palestinian state is the only way towards achieving peace and prosperity in the Middle East.
President Abbas expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s continuous support, led by His Majesty King Hamad, for the right of the Palestinian people to liberty, dignity and independence.
He reviewed with Mr Al Zayani the latest developments and underscored the importance of addressing the serious challenges experienced by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He further stressed the need for an immediate halt to the aggression against the Palestinian people, which blatantly violates international law, calling for the establishment of permanent humanitarian corridors to bring in humanitarian aid, water, electricity and fuel.
He also reaffirmed his rejection of any partial solutions to the Gaza Strip or the Palestinian cause, calling instead for a comprehensive political solution based on international legitimacy to end the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He also reiterated his rejection of displacing the people of Palestine from their homes and lands, whether from Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem.
The Palestinian President appreciated the positions of the Arab countries and their peoples in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and demanding an end to the Israeli aggression, renewing the call to hold an emergency Arab summit.
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