LONDON: Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad on Friday stressed the importance of providing humanitarian relief, food, water, electricity, medical aid and protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip, state news agency BNA reported.
In a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the capital Manama, he emphasized his country’s support for quelling violence and peace efforts to promote regional security and stability.
Relentless Israeli attacks have ravaged neighborhoods over the past week, cutting off food, water and medical supplies in the Gaza Strip and causing total power outages, increasing human suffering.
The Crown Prince said Bahrain plays an important role in helping the United States and its allies strengthen the foundations of international peace and security, and supports all regional and global efforts to achieve security and stability. He said this would be the basis for continued regional and global development.
The Gaza Health Ministry said Friday that around 1,900 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave in the past week, more than half of them under 18 or women, and that last Saturday’s Hamas attack killed more than 1,300 Israelis. .
“Secretary Blinken and the Crown Prince discussed Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and the importance of preventing escalation of conflict and maintaining stability in the region,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement. “The Secretary reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between the United States and Bahrain.”
Prince Salman also affirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship between Bahrain and the United States, which he said further strengthened the strategic partnership at various levels.
“The Comprehensive Security, Integration and Prosperity Agreement serves as the basis for joint cooperation between Bahrain and the United States across a variety of areas, including security, defence, advanced technology, trade and investment, among others, and to strengthen regional security and economic development. ” BNA said.
Blinken met with Qatar’s emir and foreign minister in Doha early Friday as part of a larger Middle East tour that includes stops in Israel and Jordan.
During the meeting, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad emphasized the importance of de-escalation efforts, opening safe passage into Gaza for aid and humanitarian efforts, and ensuring that the conflict does not spread regionally. He emphasized the importance of this.
He also emphasized Qatar’s firm stand condemning acts targeting civilians.
“Today, I spoke with the Amir of Qatar about the terrorist attacks in Israel and the ongoing conflict with Hamas. I expressed my gratitude for Qatar’s efforts to secure the return of the hostages,” Blinken said in the meeting. Later, I mentioned it on X (old Twitter).
“The efforts of regional partners are essential to prevent the conflict from escalating,” he said in another post.
Blinken expanded his visit from Israel and Jordan to all Gulf Arab states and Egypt, making it his largest regional tour since taking office.
In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Blinken, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman said his country’s “priorities in its diplomatic approach are to seek a ceasefire, protect civilians, and free prisoners.” , to work hard in war.” This is to avoid spreading violence in the community as it will have negative consequences.
“We have also changed our perspective on the humanitarian corridor to ensure that aid and assistance continues to reach the Palestinian people, especially as the situation in the Gaza Strip deteriorates. “This has led to a lack of basic necessities and a lack of electricity,” he added.
Blinken said the United States and Qatar want to prevent the conflict from escalating and will “discuss in detail our efforts to prevent any actor, state or non-state, from creating a new front in this conflict.” ” he added.
“We are also working intensively to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens, held by Hamas in Gaza. We thank Qatar for bringing the urgency to this effort. I am.”