Bahrain expresses alarm, calls on Israel to stop attacks, evictions

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain yesterday voiced its ‘strong’ rejection of the police aggression against Palestinians at Al Aqsa mosque, expressing alarm at the potential eviction of Palestinians from their homes.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, called on the Israeli government to stop provocations and urged to prevent its forces from attacking worshipers in this holy month. The statement condemned the Israeli plan to evict citizens of Jerusalem from their homes, condemning it as a move “to impose Israeli sovereignty over them”.

Israeli actions violate the resolutions of international legitimacy and undermine the chances of resuming the peace process to achieve security and stability in the region, Bahrain said. The response came as more than 160 people were wounded after Israeli riot police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards Palestinian youth at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound late Friday.

Calls for calm and restraint also came from the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, Jordan, the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union. Saudi Arabia, in a statement, called the move “unilateral” and said it undermines the resumption of the peace process. Saudi also reiterated its support to the Palestinian people for their efforts to reach a just and comprehensive solution.

The US said that some Palestinian families targeted for eviction have “lived in their home for generations.” Washington was “deeply concerned about the heightened tensions in Jerusalem,” said the US State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter. Meanwhile, Israel said it was beefing up security forces yesterday in anticipation of more confrontations with Palestinian protesters.

Thousands of Palestinians were expected to return to Al-Aqsa Mosque after dark fell for the sacred Muslim night of Laylat al-Qadr. Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai said more officers were being deployed in Jerusalem on Saturday.