CRITICALLY injured Palestinian children, women and the elderly from the Gaza Strip could be treated in Bahrain, if MPs have their way.
A proposal in this regard was presented by five MPs, led by Eman Shuwaiter, and unanimously approved during yesterday’s weekly Parliament session.
Parliament legal advisers commission head Dr Saleh Al Gatheeth pointed out that the issue of support was already being reviewed by the Parliamentary Palestinian Support Committee.
However, committee chairman Mohammed Al Bulooshi said the proposal was urgent and couldn’t wait for a comprehensive report from the committee.
“The attacks on hospitals and medical centres have left many Palestinians without treatment or in need of medical assistance and operations that are not available there,” said Ms Shuwaiter.
“Bahrain needs to fly over a certain number of Palestinians to the kingdom and provide them with treatment and ensure their return once they have recovered fully,” she added.
“We also want to praise Akhbar Al Khaleej and its editor-in-chief for their honourable stances over the Palestinian issue which have been instrumental in highlighting the true plight and ordeal of the Palestinians.”
Meanwhile, MP Bader Al Tamimi, who complained about MPs’ comments being muted during live coverage on YouTube, explained that Bahrain was already providing medical assistance to Palestinians in nearby countries.
“It is not like Bahrain is not providing medical help, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) assesses the situation and accordingly takes action,” he said.
MPs also unanimously approved an urgent proposal to replace “Israel” with “Zionist Entity” and “Palestinian Territory” with “Occupied Palestine” in all official media and licensed publications.
The proposal was spearheaded by five MPs, led by Mohammed Al Olaiwi.
“We want to restore the original terms as they reflect the truth,” he said.
“The Zionist Entity has occupied Palestinian land and made it as their own state, a state that we don’t acknowledge.”
MP Mamdhooh Al Saleh also praised Akhbar Al Khaleej and editor-in-chief Anwar Abdulrahman for their headlines that name Israel as the “Zionist Entity”.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani said Bahrain is taking political and diplomatic efforts to support the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He said the kingdom was working to end the Gaza siege, protect civilians, stop displacement and provide needed aid of food, medicine and health supplies besides electricity and water.
He asserted that Bahrain was keen to push for a peaceful two-state solution 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,” he said, in response to a question by MP Hamad Al Doy on Bahrain’s efforts to help end the struggle of Palestinians.
“Our stand has been voiced in all forums, meetings and gatherings – whether GCC, Arab, Islamic or international – and we are seeking to stop the escalation against Palestinians.
“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.
“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.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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