Bahrain has called for an international conference to be held, led by the US, to discuss concrete steps to ‘initiate a credible peace process’, in light of the bloody war in the Gaza Strip.
This was highlighted by Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani who reiterated the need for a two-state solution: ‘where the Palestinians can live in freedom and also acknowledge the right of the Israelis to live in security’.
He was speaking yesterday at the second plenary session of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Regional Security Summit: The Manama Dialogue 2023, which ends today at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.
“One of the most important issues is finding a lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” he added.
“The horrors of this conflict continue to unfold before our eyes, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the dire situation in Gaza and his keynote speech on Friday during which he condemned both Hamas and Israel for their parts in it which have led to the death of too many innocent civilians.”
During the session titled: ‘Navigating global competition’, the minister told delegates from more than 50 countries that it remains vital to put an end to the latest escalation – failure of which will ensure the region remains on the brink of conflict and instability.
“In this context, we call for an international peace conference under the effective leadership of the US,” he added.
“This will lay down the process of implementation of a much-needed outcome because if we do not adhere to diplomacy and dialogue, it will lead to erosion of the rules-based global order that will spread violence and instability all over.”
The minister also added it was crucial to address the presence of non-state actors across the region.
“These groups can contribute to instability, sectarianism and tension,” he said. “Disarming them and reducing their influence will promote the rule of law.”
Israel vowed to annihilate Hamas, the group controlling the Gaza Strip, after the October 7 rampage by its fighters into Israel that claimed the lives of 1,200 people and dragged 240 hostages into the enclave.
Since then, Israel has bombed much of Gaza City – the enclave’s urban core – to rubble, ordered the depopulation of the northern half of the narrow strip and displaced around two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians.
Dr Al Zayani said the Middle East has endured endless conflicts, instability and unimaginable human suffering.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain has always believed in the importance of mutual respect, dialogue and tolerance,” he told the audience.
“These values are crucial in navigating global competition and creating peace, stability and prosperity not only in our region but also beyond.”
Also speaking at the session alongside the minister was the German Minister of State for the Federal Foreign Office Dr Tobias Lindner, who spoke about the Hamas attack that targeted different age groups, and also witnessed Palestinian parents pulling out their children from the wreckage of bomb-blasted buildings.
“We hear the cry of agony across the Middle East and we sympathise with the many civilian victims on both sides of the conflict,” said Dr Lindner.
He said like any other country, Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorists within the boundaries of international law.
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