Ambassador Jamal Faris Al Rowaie, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, took part in the high-level open debate of the Security Council concerning the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian matter.
The open debate was presided over by Mauro Vieira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil.
Ambassador Al Rowaie reiterated Bahrain's stance, emphasizing the immediate need for a ceasefire, the cessation of military operations in the Gaza Strip, and the protection of civilians on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides.
Furthermore, Al Rowaie called for the release of hostages and the facilitation of medical aid, food, water, fuel, and electricity into the Gaza Strip in accordance with international humanitarian law. This was seen as crucial to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis and its disproportionate impact on the lives of over two million Palestinian people, particularly women and children.
The ambassador affirmed Bahrain's commitment to advancing a permanent and equitable peace process in the Middle East, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted that during the Cairo Peace Summit, His Majesty the King emphasized the significance of dialogue and peaceful approaches in ending conflicts, resolving regional and international disputes, and fostering safety and prosperity without discrimination.
Al Rowaie commended the call made by António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, during his speech at the Cairo Peace Summit. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, the unhindered delivery of relief aid to Gaza, and the protection of civilians and civilian facilities in compliance with international humanitarian law.
The ambassador renewed Bahrain's call for restraint, respect for international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention, and refraining from targeting residential areas, healthcare and educational facilities, places of worship, and infrastructure. Bahrain also opposed any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people and called for avoiding actions that would perpetuate the current cycle of violence and conflict.
Bahrain's steadfast support for the freedom and self-determination of the Palestinian people, as well as the establishment of their independent, sovereign state based on the borders of July 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, was emphasized by the ambassador. This aligns with the two-state solution and international resolutions, including the Arab Peace Initiatives, which are seen as a genuine guarantee of peaceful coexistence between the Palestinian and Israeli populations.
Ambassador Al Rowaie urged the Security Council to fulfill its historic responsibilities by implementing relevant international legitimacy resolutions. This includes providing international protection for civilians, preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, halting measures leading to Palestinian displacement, land confiscation, and illegal settlements. He also urged the Council to facilitate the work of humanitarian and relief organizations without obstacles and to revitalize peace process negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
The ambassador underscored that reviving the peace process remains a strategic option for achieving a just and comprehensive peace and ensuring the region's people's rights to security, peace, prosperity, and human dignity.