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Bahrain FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Relations with Israel Do Not Undermine Commitment to Peace Initiative

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani. (Getty Images)
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani. (Getty Images)
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Bahrain FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Relations with Israel Do Not Undermine Commitment to Peace Initiative

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani. (Getty Images)
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani. (Getty Images)

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani underlined on Saturday the Kingdom’s “firm and constant” stance towards the rights of the fraternal Palestinian people.

These rights top the Kingdom’s priorities, he told Asharq Al-Awsat in an exclusive interview as Bahrain announced Friday it had reached a US-brokered agreement to normalize relations with Israel.

He stressed that the deal is in line with the vision of King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa to spread peace in the world.

The agreement, Zayani went on to say, does not undermine the 2002 Arab peace initiative.

How do you assess the future Bahraini-Israeli relations in wake of the peace agreement?
The step is in line with King Hamad’s vision to spread the culture of peace in the world. It is also in line with his directives to intensify efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict according to the peace initiative. Bahrain always stresses its firm and constant position towards the rights of the fraternal Palestinian people, which are at the top of its priorities. The Palestinian people must obtain their complete legitimate rights.

Some believe, however, that normalizing ties with Israel will pave the way for other Arab concessions.
On the contrary, Bahrain stresses that it will not abandon Arab principles. Palestinian rights are the most important of these principles. Bahrain has long advocated the policy of peace and coexistence. Peace is the best strategic choice to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Precedents throughout history demonstrate that all of the Kingdom’s initiatives and decisions favor the interests of the Palestinian people. No one can challenge the Kingdom in this regard.

What happens now to the Arab peace initiative after Bahrain will normalize ties with Israel?
Establishing diplomatic relations with Israel does not contradict with Bahrain’s commitment to the Arab peace initiative and international resolutions. Bahrain is a sovereign nation and it takes its decisions based on its national and Arab principles and its higher security interests. Among those principles are the Palestinian rights that cannot be abandoned.

Bahrain had from the start announced its support to the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Was this paving the way for the peace announcement between Bahrain and Israel?
Bahrain is adding its efforts to those of the UAE in defending the causes and interests of the ummah and in supporting the Palestinians to obtain their rights. We highly appreciate the leading Emirati role in adopting diplomatic ties as a form of strategic solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. For us, we underscore Bahrain’s support for all Arab partners in reaching a peaceful solution that protects the interests of all Palestinians. We believe that the declaration of peace between Bahrain and Israel creates better opportunities for the Palestinian people in establishing an independent, stable and prosperous state.

What is the Palestinian Authority’s position on the declaration of peace between Bahrain and Israel?
I want to express my great appreciation to the Palestinian leadership, its firm stances and constant efforts in safeguarding the Palestinian people’s rights and working on achieving their legitimate interests. As for Bahrain, it underlines its commitment to its efforts to empower the Palestinian people so that they can achieve their aspirations like all other peoples in the world.

Do you expect more peace agreements to be declared soon between countries in the region and Israel?
As I said before, every country has its own sovereignty and takes its decisions based on its principles and higher interests. For Bahrain, we will continue to spread the culture of peace and peaceful coexistence and shun violence. We believe this is a historic step as part of its efforts to achieve global peace. I would like to point out that countries that have established relations with Israel have not decreased their support for Palestinian rights. Strategic priorities are determined by each country to achieve their interests.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.