Bahrain, Arab states reject Israel’s claims of ‘self-defence’; urge immediate halt to war

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday called for an immediate end to the Gaza siege, with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain asking Israel to steer away from “collective punishment” in the strip.

Addressing the summit of Arab leaders, which condemned Israeli forces’ “barbaric” actions in Gaza, on behalf of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH said Bahrain stands with the people of Palestine in this “dire humanitarian situation” in Gaza.

The summit took place against a backdrop of widespread anger in the Middle East and beyond over Israel’s aerial and ground offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 11,000 people, mostly civilians and many of them children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The final declaration at yesterday’s summit rejected Israeli claims that it is acting in “self-defence” and demanded that the United Nations Security Council adopt “a decisive and binding resolution” to halt Israel’s “aggression”.

It also dismissed out of hand any future political resolution to the conflict that would keep Gaza separate from the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

In his address, Prince Salman termed Israeli attacks on Gaza a violation of international resolutions and conventions that threaten the path towards a just and comprehensive peace process.

Urging immediate international intervention for a truce, HRH called on Israel to "stop the forced displacement of civilians” that dethrone regional security as well.

Addressing Arab and Muslim leaders at the summit, HRH stressed the need for establishing an emergency and independent international committee to supervise the safety of the Palestinian people.

The committee, HRH said, should impartially investigate the escalating violence, pursue the release of all prisoners and detainees on both sides and determine the extent of the damage.

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted that efforts must also be focused on re-building and re-focusing on a comprehensive peace process that brings a new era of regional security and stability.

His Royal Highness reiterated Arab nations’ support for resuming a comprehensive peace process towards a two-state solution that guarantees Palestinian people rights to an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

HRH concluded by expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its sincere efforts and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and regional peace.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the summit he “holds the occupation (Israeli) authorities responsible for the crimes committed against the Palestinian people.”

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on his first trip to Saudi Arabia since the two countries mended ties in March, said Islamic nations should designate the Israeli army a “terrorist organisation” for its conduct in Gaza.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said no Middle Eastern country should engage in any “political process” with Israel, including developing economic relations until a lasting ceasefire is reached.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said “It is a shame that Western countries, which always talk about human rights and freedoms, remain silent in the face of the ongoing massacres in Palestine”.