Summit puts global focus on Gaza crisis

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The 33rd Arab League summit organised by Bahrain in Manama has successfully brought forth the crisis in Gaza to global spotlight, said global leaders, ministers and top officials yesterday, as the 22-member grouping called for “international protection and peacekeeping forces of the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territories” until a twostate solution is implemented.

The summit denounced Israel’s obstruction of ceasefire initiatives in the Gaza Strip and its ongoing military escalation, including the expansion of aggression against the Palestinian city of Rafah, despite international warnings of dire humanitarian consequences Shortly after messages of solidarity poured in to Bahrain from all walks of life, congratulating the Kingdom on its proactive efforts to address the Gaza conflict by hosting the Arab League summit.

First amongst them were from the Chinese President Xi Jinping, who reaffirmed China’s commitment to collaborate with Arab nations, extending his regards to HM King, who presided over the Arab League Council.

The Chinese President also highlighted the Arab League’s dedication to Arab unity, self-improvement, and the peaceful development of the Middle East.

The summit had embraced calls from HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas to convene an international conference under UN auspices for resolving the Palestinian issue through the two-state solution.

Beijing is also set to host the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum later this month Meanwhile, earlier yesterday, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, assured Bahrain’s ongoing support for joint Arab action and emphasized peace as a strategic necessity.

HRH pledged the government will work on the initiatives announced by Bahrain at the summit to address the core issues affecting stability and development in the region in coordination with Arab states and the Arab League.

Statement supporting joint Arab Action and efforts to end Gaza conflict also came from all over the region and abroad. The Amir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, congratulated Bahrain for successfully hosting the summit amid complex regional challenges, highlighting the Kingdom’s pivotal role in fostering dialogue and cooperation amidst regional complexities.

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said the summit highlights the need to work together to stop the serious violations and the ongoing Israeli military escalation in the Gaza Strip.

He stressed the importance of collective action to halt Israeli military escalation in Gaza Ahmed Aboul El Gheit, the Secretary General of the Arab League, highlighted the large attendance at the Arab Summit as a sign of the high regard from the Arab countries and governments to Bahrain and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He said that the 33rd Arab Summit was held in a very calm atmosphere and did not witness any disagreements.