Bahrain Suspends Economic Relations with Israel and Recalls Diplomats. Bahrain’s lower house of parliament announced on Thursday that it is halting economic ties with Israel and recalling the diplomats of both Israel and Hamas, although no official government confirmation has been made.

Israel’s Response: No Notification Received

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it has not been informed of any decision by Bahrain regarding these matters. If confirmed, this would be a significant move by one of Israel’s Gulf Arab partners in support of Palestinian rights.

In Support of Palestinian Rights

The statement from the lower house of Bahrain’s parliament cites the decision as being in support of “Palestinian issues and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”

Economic Relations Suspended

The statement also mentioned that “economic relations with Israel have been suspended.” However, the extent and impact of this suspension remain unclear.

Israel-Bahrain Relations

Bahrain and Israel established diplomatic relations as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020. Under this agreement, Israel also established ties with the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. The Abraham Accords were brokered by the United States.

Escalation in Gaza

According to Israeli officials, Bahrain’s announcement follows weeks of rocket attacks from Gaza into southern Israel and Israeli military strikes in response. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported approximately 8,700 people killed, including two-thirds women and children, since the deadliest attack on record.

Bahrain’s Opposition to Recent Israeli Actions

Bahrain, which cracked down on pro-democracy protests in 2011, has seen several protests in recent weeks condemning Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza.

Economic Relations Discussed During Diplomatic Visit

Just recently in September, during a diplomatic visit to Bahrain, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, discussed boosting economic relations between the two nations.

The situation remains fluid, with both countries yet to officially confirm the suspension of economic ties and the recall of diplomats. It marks a notable development in the ongoing Middle East peace process and the situation in Gaza.

Also Read: How Delhi’s Air Pollution is Affecting Children’s Health