Bahrain parliament pushes to reverse normalisation with Israel

Lawmakers in Bahrain are looking to reverse the kingdom’s normalisation agreement with Israel over the occupation state’s genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza.

The deputy speaker of Bahrain’s National Assembly, Abdulnabi Salman, told Sputnik Arabic on Monday that members of the legislative body are demanding an end to diplomatic relations with Israel. Relations were established three years ago as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords, initially alongside the UAE.

“The demands of the Bahraini MPs are a reflection of the aspirations of the [Bahraini] people,” said Salman.

“The most important demand is represented by the full cancellation of normalisation and cutting all ties, which would mean the cancellation of the Abraham Accords.”

Ultimately, added the parliamentary official, any decision on Bahrain-Israel ties is taken by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifah and his government.

Last week, Bahrain’s lower house of parliament announced that the country had suspended its economic relations with Israel, while Bahrain’s ambassador to Israel was also recalled. Flights between Manama and Tel Aviv have been suspended.

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At the time, the parliament in Manama confirmed that, “This comes as a confirmation of Bahraini’s historic and firm position in support of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.”

However, Israel has denied that Manama recalled its ambassador, stating that relations with the Gulf state are “stable”. The Times of Israel cited an unnamed senior official as saying Bahrain’s Ambassador, Khaled Al-Jalahma, had already returned to the kingdom for personal reasons.

Bahrain people showing support for Palestine#bahrain #palestine #ceasefirenow #protest pic.twitter.com/51NeateYUX

— Gulf Independent News (@IndependentGulf) November 6, 2023

Despite the Bahraini government’s decision to establish diplomatic relations with the apartheid state, the people of Bahrain have been vocal in their opposition to normalisation, which they maintain is a “betrayal” of the Palestinians. Protests have taken place against the ongoing onslaught and invasion of Gaza which has now killed more than 10,000 Palestinian civilians, more than half of them children and women.

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