Bahrain Joins UNSC Open Debate on Middle East Situation and Palestinian Issue

New York, The Gulf Observer: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, delivered a powerful statement on behalf of Bahrain, the current president of the 33rd Arab Summit, during the open debate session of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.

In his address, Dr. Al Zayani affirmed the unified Arab position established at the 33rd Arab Summit held in Bahrain last May, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The summit’s declaration called for a just and comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the implementation of the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. This includes ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent sovereign state.

Dr. Al Zayani highlighted the devastating impact of decades-long wars, conflicts, and disputes in the Middle East, which have resulted in significant loss of life, destruction of property and infrastructure, and severe humanitarian crises. He stressed that these conflicts have violated international laws and treaties, posing significant threats to regional security and stability, and endangering international peace and security.

“The situation in the region necessitates intensified efforts by the international community, particularly the Security Council, to achieve sustainable solutions to all conflicts and disputes that have prolonged in the region,” Dr. Al Zayani stated. “The solutions must include establishing just and lasting peace that preserves the rights of all peoples to life, freedom, dignity, and coexistence in a space of tolerance and coexistence.”

Despite numerous international efforts to bring peace to the Middle East, Dr. Al Zayani noted that these efforts have not yet achieved the desired peace and stability. The region’s people continue to suffer greatly from bloodshed, displacement, deprivation of life’s necessities, and a lack of hope for a better future.

The minister underscored the immense and intolerable suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza over the past nine months. He highlighted their deprivation of food, water, medicine, healthcare, education, and basic services. Dr. Al Zayani called for an immediate end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, immediate assistance to civilians in Gaza, and the release of hostages and detainees.

Reiterating the steadfast Arab position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Dr. Al Zayani emphasized that the 33rd Arab Summit affirmed the collective adoption of a just and permanent peace as a strategic choice. “Bahrain, as the current President of the 33rd Arab Summit, participates in this Security Council session to reaffirm the complete solidarity of Arab states and their steadfast commitment to peace,” he added.

The Bahrain Summit represented a message of peace and solidarity to the world, endorsing several important initiatives. Notably, it called for an international peace conference in the Middle East to resolve the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution. Dr. Al Zayani expressed Bahrain’s readiness to host this conference and support full recognition of the State of Palestine and its membership in the United Nations.

Dr. Al Zayani affirmed Bahrain’s pledge to provide educational and healthcare services to those affected by conflicts in the region, in cooperation with international and regional organizations. He also emphasized enhancing Arab cooperation in financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

In conclusion, Dr. Al Zayani called on the Security Council and the international community to work diligently and effectively with Arab states to end this long-standing conflict. He urged the formation of an international alliance of countries interested in achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East.