Bahrain has recalled its Ambassador to Israel and halted all economic ties with the warring country.
In a statement on Thursday, November 2, 2023, the parliament of Bahrain disclosed that the moves were part of measures taken in support of “the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
Bahrain, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020, said the Israeli Ambassador to Manama had already left.
The announcement came a day after Jordan also recalled its Ambassador to Israel to protest against the “catastrophe” amid Israel’s attacks.
Within this week, Bolivia cut official ties with Israel while Chile and Colombia recalled their Ambassadors to Tel Aviv for consultations.
Deputy Foreign Minister, Freddy Mamani said at a press conference on Tuesday night that Bolivia “decided to break diplomatic relations with the Israeli state in repudiation and condemnation of the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive taking place in the Gaza Strip.”
While announcing the recall of Ambassador Jorge Carvajal, Chilean President Gabriel Boric accused Israel of “unacceptable violations of International Humanitarian Law” and following a policy of “collective punishment” of the people of Gaza.
Other Latin American countries, including Mexico and Brazil, have also called for a ceasefire.
Also on Thursday, Members of Parliament in Tunisia began debating a bill criminalizing normalization of Israel ties.
The draft bill defines “normalization” as “recognition of the Zionist entity or the establishment of direct or indirect ties” with it.
Its text says, “the crime of normalisation”, which would be classed as “high treason.”
Anyone found guilty would face a penalty of between six to 10 years in prison and a fine of 10,000 to 100,000 Tunisian dinars ($3,200 to $32,000), while repeat offenders would be jailed for life.
“There is total agreement between the president, the parliament and public opinion” on this matter, parliamentary speaker Brahim Bouderbala told lawmakers at the start of the session.
“We strongly believe Palestine must be liberated from the river to the sea … and that a Palestinian state must be established with holy Jerusalem as its capital,” he said.
100 Foreign Nationals Exit Gaza
Wael Abu Mohsen, Spokesman for the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing, disclosed that about 100 foreign passport holders have been allowed to leave Gaza so far on Thursday.
He added that a total of 400 foreign passport holders, as well as 60 severely wounded Palestinians in ambulances were due to cross to Egypt via the Rafah crossing by the end of the day.
A list of those approved to travel on Thursday shows hundreds of US citizens and 50 Belgians along with smaller numbers from various European, Arab, Asian and African countries.
A news agency noted that those being evacuated are a tiny proportion of the 2.4 million people trapped in Gaza.
Earlier, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry noted in a statement that Egypt will help evacuate “about 7,000” foreigners and dual nationals from Gaza.
In a meeting with foreign diplomats, Assistant Foreign Minister, Ismail Khairat said that Egypt was preparing “to facilitate the reception and evacuation of foreign citizens from Gaza through the Rafah crossing”, adding the “number [is] at about 7,000” representing “more than 60” nationalities.
It came amid a call by U.S President, Joe Biden for a “pause” in the Israel-Hamas war to remove hostages.
“I think we need a pause,” Biden said during a campaign speech on Wednesday, after being interrupted by a protester who urged for an immediate ceasefire.
“A pause means give time to get the prisoners out,” Biden added.
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