Arab League's Bahrain Declaration Advocates UN Peacekeepers Until Two-State Solution Reached

The Arab League Summit in Bahrain concluded today with the "Bahrain Declaration," a comprehensive statement addressing the Palestinian cause. The declaration calls for the deployment of UN peacekeepers to the occupied territories until a lasting two-state solution is found. The final communiqué also discussed conflicts in Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

The summit adopted calls by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to convene an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations to resolve the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution. The declaration called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to forced displacement in Palestinian territories.

The convening leaders underscored the need to immediately halt Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, withdraw Israeli occupation forces from all areas of the Strip, lift the siege imposed on it, remove all obstacles, and open all crossings for adequate humanitarian assistance. They emphasized enabling United Nations organisations, especially UNRWA, to operate freely and securely.

Rejection of Forced Displacement

The leaders reiterated their categorical rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The declaration condemned Israeli forces' control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah Crossing and called on Israel to withdraw from Rafah to ensure safe humanitarian access.

Unity Among Palestinian Factions

The declaration urged all Palestinian factions to join under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), considering it the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This call aims to unify efforts towards achieving a two-state solution.

Condemnation of Attacks on Commercial Ships

The declaration strongly condemned attacks on commercial ships, stating they threaten freedom of navigation, international trade, and global interests. The Arab nations affirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding regions.

With inputs from WAM