The US is urging Bahrain and other Arab League hosts to form a peacekeeping mission ahead of the summit, Middle East Eye reports on May 16th.
The Arab League’s call for a UN peacekeeping force in Palestinian territories during their meeting in Manama, Bahrain, represents a significant shift in Arab states’ stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict since the Gaza war began. The group, consisting of 22 members, advocated for “international protection and peacekeeping forces” until a two-state solution is achieved. Bahrain’s willingness to deploy troops to Gaza, as conveyed to the US, reflects its close ties with Saudi Arabia. While the US sought involvement from Morocco, the UAE, and Egypt, reluctance was apparent. Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab states, declined the idea of deploying their forces. US officials view Bahrain as a potential leader in forming a multinational force, aiming to garner support from Gulf heavyweights like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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The Arab League additionally urged for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict and an end to the forced displacement of Palestinians. The 22-member bloc stated: “We demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a halt to all attempts at forced displacement, an end to all forms of siege and allowing full and sustainable access to aid”.
Middle East Eye and agencies
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