Bahrain Urges Ceasefire in Gaza, Rejects Forced Displacement and Settlement Expansion

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, delivered the Kingdom’s address before the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirming Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to multilateral cooperation, international law, and the principles of the UN Charter.

Speaking on behalf of the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Dr. Al Zayani underscored Bahrain’s determination to strengthen its strategic partnership with the UN and its agencies to promote peace, security, and sustainable prosperity worldwide.

He highlighted the historic significance of Bahrain’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026–2027 with an overwhelming 99.5% vote of confidence from member states. “This reflects the international community’s trust in Bahrain’s balanced diplomacy, commitment to peace, and vision for coexistence,” he said.

Addressing regional challenges, the minister emphasized Bahrain’s call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, protection of civilians, release of hostages, and the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid. He reiterated Bahrain’s rejection of forced displacement, settlement expansion, or any attempt to alter the historical and religious status of Jerusalem.

He also urged the international community to support the initiative adopted by the 33rd Arab Summit, hosted by Bahrain, to convene an international peace conference aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Bahrain also welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the “New York Declaration” supporting the two-state solution and recognized the efforts of Saudi Arabia and France in advancing Palestinian statehood.

Dr. Al Zayani warned of the grave consequences of the Gaza war on regional and global security and condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar, stressing the need for dialogue and mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

Beyond the Palestinian issue, the minister called for peaceful solutions to ongoing crises in Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia, stressing the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference. He reaffirmed Bahrain’s advocacy for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction and urged the resumption of U.S.-Iran negotiations to resolve the Iranian nuclear file in a way that strengthens global peace and security.

The minister also outlined Bahrain’s broader vision built on four key pillars:

1. Peaceful conflict resolution – particularly in the Middle East.

2. Promotion of peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue – aligned with the Bahrain Declaration on religious freedom and the call for an international convention against hate speech and extremism.

3. Strengthening strategic partnerships – highlighting the Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) with the U.S. and UK as a model for multilateral cooperation.

4. Commitment to sustainable development and humanitarian solidarity – with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation spearheading global health, education, and relief initiatives.

Domestically, Dr. Al Zayani emphasized that Bahrain’s reforms and development model reflect its global outlook. He pointed to advances in digital innovation, women’s empowerment, youth initiatives, and human rights reforms, including alternative sentencing and child protection courts. He also reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 through clean energy investments.

“Bahrain’s vision for peace, coexistence, and prosperity is deeply rooted in our history, values, and balanced diplomacy,” Dr. Al Zayani concluded. “We believe that only through dialogue, political will, and mutual respect can humanity achieve a future where dignity, security, and hope prevail for generations to come.”