Bahrain calls for Gaza ceasefire implementation at UN debate

Bahrain chaired a high-level open debate at the United Nations Security Council on developments in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, as part of its presidency of the Council for April.

The session was led by Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, with participation from Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Espen Barth Eide in his capacity as chair of a specialised contact committee, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a member of the executive council of a peace body.

In his opening remarks, Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain’s strong commitment, as a non-permanent member of the Council, to working with the international community to تعزيز peace and security, while pursuing a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue, which he described as central to regional stability.

He highlighted that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain continues to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.

Al Zayani also emphasised the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), describing it as a binding framework to end the conflict in Gaza, reinforce the ceasefire, and pave the way for the establishment of a “Peace Council”.

The meeting comes as the Security Council continues to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and wider regional tensions.