The crown prince of Gulf Arab state Bahrain called for a “hostage trade” between Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and Israel in order to achieve a break in hostilities. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa emphasized that security would not be realized without a two-state solution, describing the United States as “indispensable” in achieving this goal. He urged Hamas to release Israeli women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Additionally, he condemned both Hamas and Israel for their actions in the conflict. Fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar has been leading mediation efforts between Hamas and Israeli officials for the release of more than 240 hostages. Sunni-ruled Bahrain established ties with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, driven in part by shared concerns over regional power Iran. Bahrain also called for Palestinian elections to be held once the war ends, leading to a “just and lasting peace” and the establishment of a Palestinian state for security and stability.
