Bahrain's Islamic movement slams Israel attempts to boost Arab ties

Doha, Oct 28, IRNA – Bahrain's Islamic Al-Wafa Movement has denounced the decision by certain regional countries to normalize relations with the Zionist regime of Israel, calling it shameful and unacceptable. 'While the Zionist regime has occupied Palestinian territories and continues to kill its people on a daily basis, and while the regime has occupied parts of Syria and Lebanon and continues hostilities against Muslims, we see some regional organizations and governments rush to establish public relations with the fake regime,' read a statement by the Bahraini Islamic movement on Saturday. Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Oman and participation of some Islamic countries in joint sports events with Zionists is nothing but bowing to Washington's demands, the statement added. The Islamic Al-Wafa Movement went on to describe as shameful normalization of relations with the Zionists and urged Muslims from across the world to continue resistance aimed at eradicating the cancerous Zionist regime. Omani ruler Sultan Qaboos on Friday used his Twitter account to spread the news of his meeting with Netanyahu at Al Barke Palace in Muscat. Two decades ago, following an agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and the establishment of Palestinian Authority in a bid to improve Israel's relations with some Arab nations, Oman allowed Israel to open an office in Muscat. But the office was closed after a while. Other than that, Tel Aviv and Muscat have had no diplomatic relations. The Thursday meeting was the first of its kind taking place after 22 years between the Israeli and Omani leaders. In 1996, former Prime Minister of Israel Shimon Peres traveled to Oman and Qatar to open trade representative offices in the two Persian Gulf littoral states. The first trip made by an Israeli prime minister to Oman goes back to 1994 under Yitzhak Rabin. Although Sultan Qaboos, who has been the leader of Oman for the last 48 years, has always emphasized supporting the Palestinians, unlike other regional Arab nations, Oman has thus far not played a significant role in the Palestinian issue. Netanyahu's trip to Oman drew fire from several Islamic countries and organizations including Iran, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement and Hamas. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish