Bahrain Chairs UN Discussion on Middle East, Advocates for Gaza Ceasefire

As President of the United Nations Security Council this April, Bahrain led a critical discussion on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question,” presided over by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Foreign Minister.

Key figures at the meeting included Khaled Khiari, Espen Barth Eide, and Tony Blair, among others.

Dr. Al Zayani reiterated Bahrain's unwavering commitment to international peace and security, emphasizing the need for a fair and enduring resolution to the Palestinian issue as vital for regional stability.

Reaffirming its support for Palestinian rights, Bahrain insisted on the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, echoing the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant global resolutions.

The Foreign Minister underscored the urgency of enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 as a pivotal measure to resolve the Gaza conflict, solidify the ceasefire, and advocate for the proposed “Board of Peace.”

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's proactive role in peace initiatives was highlighted, particularly during the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, which was chaired by Donald Trump, showcasing Bahrain's diplomatic endeavors.

Dr. Al Zayani promoted dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolutions, while emphasizing the need to respect Jerusalem’s status and protecting religious sites, urging support for Jordan's custodianship and King Mohammed VI's leadership in the Al Quds Committee.

Bahrain firmly opposed forced displacements and any demographic alterations in Palestinian lands, calling for an immediate stop to illegal settlements in the West Bank and warning against escalatory actions that might incite extremism.

The minister pointed out that achieving lasting peace necessitates a broader address of regional challenges, advocating for a peaceful resolution of tensions with Iran through respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law. He also stressed the vital need to safeguard freedom of navigation in significant maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz, urging cessation of destabilizing activities.

In conclusion, Bahrain called upon the international community to transcend mere crisis management and strive for sustainable solutions through collaboration, dialogue, and diplomacy in pursuit of regional peace and stability.