Bahrain supports holding emergency Arab summit after Trump's proposal to ‘take over’ Gaza
Bahraini top diplomat reiterates Arab stance 'on the Palestinian cause remains steadfast and unified'
ANKARA
Bahrain announced Friday its support for holding an emergency Arab summit to discuss Palestinian developments after US President Donald Trump announced a controversial proposal to ‘take over’ the Gaza Strip and resettle the Palestinian population elsewhere.
The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) quoted a statement by the Kingdom's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani supporting the summit in Cairo, and stressing the importance of "continuing political consultations among Arab states regarding recent developments in the region."
He added that the kingdom’s stance comes within the framework of its presidency of the 33rd Arab Summit.
The top diplomat reiterated that the Arab stance "on the Palestinian cause remains steadfast and unified."
"Comprehensive peace in the Middle East depends on safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people, preventing their displacement from their lands, and establishing an independent
Palestinian state with full sovereignty enabling peaceful coexistence with Israel in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative," he was quoted by BNA.
The development comes amid intense Arab efforts to coordinate an Arab stance because of Trump's proposal, with Egypt leading efforts and contacts with Arab states.
Trump triggered uproar Tuesday by suggesting the US would “take over” the Gaza Strip and resettle its people elsewhere during a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
His proposal was met with wide condemnations from Palestinians, Arab countries and many other nations across the world, including Canada, France, Germany and the UK.
Since Jan. 25, Trump has repeatedly suggested that Palestinians in Gaza should be taken in by regional Arab nations such as Egypt and Jordan, an idea rejected by the Arab states and Palestinian leaders.
Trump’s proposal first came after a ceasefire agreement took effect in the enclave on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war, which has killed more than 47,600 Palestinians and left the enclave in ruins.
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