Hamas, Hezbollah lash out at Bahrain as Israeli FM concludes visit

Adam Lucente , Rina Bassist

Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen (L) attends a press conference with his counterpart from Bahrain Abdul Latif al-Zayani (R), during his visit to the capital Manama on September 4, 2023. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP) (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images) — Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen (L) attends a press conference with his counterpart from Bahrain Abdul Latif al-Zayani (R), during his visit to the capital Manama on September 4, 2023. — MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen wrapped up a three-day visit to Bahrain on Tuesday, leaving the the Gulf nation with several bilateral agreements and cooperation pledges.

The Gaza-based Palestinian organization Hamas condemned Cohen’s visit in a statement on Tuesday, pledging “its rejection of normalization with the Zionist occupation.”

Hamas also mentioned the upcoming visit of Moroccan senate leader Enaam Mayara to Israel, scheduled for Thursday.

"We call on our brothers in Arab states to retreat from this dangerous path that will bring them nothing but damage from a fascist, racist entity built on treachery," said the group.

Hamas, Hezbollah lash out at Bahrain as Israeli FM concludes visit

Hamas criticized the visit as Israel’s relations with the island kingdom continue to improve, despite historically high tensions with the Palestinians.

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