BAHRAIN is taking political and diplomatic efforts to support the Palestinians in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani has said.
He said the kingdom was working to end the siege in Gaza Strip, protect civilians, stop displacement, and provide needed aid of food, medicine and health supplies besides electricity and water.
The minister asserted that Bahrain was keen to push for a peaceful two-state solution in order to achieve sustainable development, prosperity and justice for the region.
“We value Parliament’s stand to support the Palestinians’ rights with parliamentary diplomacy being instrumental in deciding the fate of people in the region,” said Dr Al Zayani in response to a question by MP Hamad Al Doy on Bahrain’s efforts to help end the struggle of Palestinians.
“Our governmental patriotic stand has been voiced at all forums, meetings and gatherings – whether GCC, Arab, Islamic or international – and we are seeking to stop the escalation against Palestinians,” he added.
“We work with others on a unified stand on issues and challenges with the Palestinian cause being at the forefront as we seek the two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
“This includes condemning atrocities faced by Palestinians, protecting civilians and halting the deaths of children, women and the elderly wherever they are.
“We are also calling for a prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, and release of all hostages and captives.
“Bahrain has urged the international community, through the UN Security Council, to end the war on Gaza.”
He added that all humanitarian aid needed to reach Gaza with Palestinian displacement stopped and just channels for peaceful means opened.
“We have been issuing statements, holding talks and making calls since October 7 and we have warned the international community of repercussions that involve serious humanitarian ramifications as we seek direct movement to protect lives and properties.”
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan is also set to appear during Parliament’s session on Tuesday to comment on his written response to two questions by Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Bulooshi and MP Jalal Kadhem on work permits issued for expats.
“Work permits have been issued for 563,723 expats including domestic workers since December last year and until mid October this year,” said Mr Humaidan, who is also Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) board chairman.
“During the same period, we found 2,076 violations by employers and 3,634 violations by expatriate workers,” he added.
“Around 1,900 violations have been referred to the Public Prosecution.”
Parliament will also debate a new proposed legislation for social welfare, presented by five MPs led by Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, to have part of tax revenues and other sources saved in a special fund to help underprivileged families.
The Social Development and Finance and National Economy Ministry raised objections while stating that there were 17,351 citizens who benefit from current government schemes.
MPs will also review proposed amendments to the 1975 Civil Servants Pension Law, 1976 Social Insurance Law and 1976 Military Pension Law to increase the one-off marriage grants for widows and orphans from BD540 to BD1,000.
The Social Insurance Organisation had no objections, but asked MPs to wait until the actuarial study is completed by the end of the year.
It said such grants were given to 237 government cases at a cost of BD965,599 and 187 private sector cases at a cost of BD546,499.
The Military Pension Fund objected the move, asking MPs to put a cap on the maximum amount handed out to beneficiaries to avoid draining the national coffers.
The Supreme Council for Women and the Bahrain Women’s Union backed the proposed move in all three laws.
MPs will debate and vote on postponed topics from the last session, which took eight hours.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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