Manama: King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa has stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state would be the most just solution to the Middle East crisis.

“Bahrain reiterates that the just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause would only be possible with the establishment of an independent, fully-fledged Palestinian state within the boundaries of June 1967 with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital, stipulated in the Arab Peace Initiative and the two-state solution, as well as by international legitimacy and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations” King Hamad said.

In a message to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on November 29 King Hamad said that the annual celebration of the Day with the Palestinian people denotes, in essence, the special responsibility of the international community as a whole towards the Palestinian cause.

It also marks commitment by Palestinians to attain their rights through the just struggle for self-determination, to put an end to the Israeli occupation of their land, and to establish their independent state like all other people of the world, he said.

Bahrain commends the decisions taken by Sweden, in recognising the Palestinian State and its intrinsic right to live side by side with the state of Israel, and calls upon other friendly countries that have not recognised the Palestinian State to follow suit to take similar steps, the King said.

The recognition will enable the Palestinian people to realise their expectations and aspirations, and enhance stability, security and peace in the Middle East.

Human suffering

“Bahrain, known for its persistent and unflinching support to the Palestinian cause, is extremely concerned by the human suffering to which Palestinians are subjected to as a result of the continuous Israeli aggression and its repercussions, culminating in the brutal aggression unleashed by the Israeli occupation authorities in the Gaza Strip on July 8, 2014, which caused extensive damage to the infrastructure of the entire Gaza Strip and took a heavy toll of lives among civilian women, children and the elderly,” King Hamad said in the message sent to Fode Seck, Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in New York.

“Places of worship and schools, including UNRWA schools, were violated. The sequence of events makes it evident that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza since 1967 has resulted in an escalation of the suffering of the Palestinian people, and added new hardships as a result of the expansionist colonies policy pursued by the Israeli occupation authorities in the heart of Palestinian villages and towns, including Al Quds Al Sharif and its surroundings, thus jeopardising the foundations of a viable independent Palestinian state.”

Bahrain expresses its strong condemnation of all Israeli acts of aggression, and considers such practices to be the main cause of the stalled peace talks, he said.

“Bahrain emphasises the need for the United Nations, notably the Security Council, to shoulder its historic responsibilities, more than ever before, and as mandated, to compel Israel to immediately cease its reckless policies and flagrant violation of international law.

Based on all these factors and United Nations resolutions, we urge your esteemed Committee to continue to intensify its commendable and diligent efforts in support of the Palestinian people, to enable them to attain their expectations and aspirations and their legitimate and inalienable rights,” King Hamad said, quoted by the Bahrain News Agency.