Manama: His Majesty King Hamad has urged the international community for immediate intervention into the deteriorating situation at Gaza.
He called for an end to military operations in the region and protection of the Palestinian people.
This came as he received last night Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and an accompanying delegation in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
His Majesty highlighted Bahrain’s support for Palestine and the Egyptian initiative to halt conflict in the region.
He expressed delight at hosting the Ambassadors of the State of Palestine to Arab Countries Conference being held today in Bahrain.
He reiterated the need for a just and durable solution for the issue, the full withdrawal of Israel from Arab territories and immediate end to settlement activities.
The international community must assume its responsibility to compel all parties to respect the international law, he added.
President Abbas, meanwhile, praised Bahrain’s supportive stance and stressed efforts to stop the fighting in Gaza.
He called for more co-ordination to stop Israel’s savage aggression and bloodshed in Gaza and endeavours to bring the Palestinian issue to the world’s attention.
He stressed support for the unity of Bahrain.
His Majesty later hosted a banquet in his honour.
President Abbas was earlier welcomed at the airport by Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa in the presence of tministers, the Muharraq governor and the Palestinian envoy.
Moreover, top officials praised the supportive stances shown by His Majesty to the besieged people of Gaza.
Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi, in a statement, commended the support and praised the directives to dispatch $5 million in relief aid.
He praised the order to establish the National Committee for Solidarity with the Palestinian People in Gaza.
The minister thanked Royal Charity Organisation board of trustees chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the positive response to a nation-wide fundraiser in support of aid to Gaza.
He also urged all private hospitals and pharmacies to respond to the campaign.
The Health Ministry would be co-ordinating with the Bahrain Red Crescent Society and other relevant parties to respond to the urgent medical needs of Palestinians in Gaza.
Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi praised His Majesty’s support for Palestinians in a statement to BNA.
She also called on companies, institutions and citizens to contribute to the charity work aiming to help Palestinians and alleviate their suffering at the hands of Israelis.