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An anti-Israeli group gears up to hold its 45th protest today at its headquarters in Adliya, vowing to continue with its weekly Friday protests.
The Bahrain Society Against Normalisation with the Zionist Enemy has been organising peaceful protests since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that triggered the Gaza war.
The group continues to attract crowds including expats and children to its weekly Friday protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people and will today hold a gathering under the theme, ‘This is Our Nation’s War’, starting at 5pm.
“The Bahrain Society Against Normalisation with the Zionist Enemy is committed to continuing its protests as long as the genocide in Gaza persists,” society member Mohammed Abdulla told the GDN yesterday.
“Our protests aim not only to raise awareness among Bahrainis but also to deliver a resolute message against normalisation with the Zionist enemy and to underscore the unwavering commitment of the Bahraini people to a free Palestine, from the river to the sea.”
He added that the protests continue to shed light on the ongoing dire situation of thousands of Palestinians including families affected by the brutal conflict.
“We are gathering again this Friday to hold our 45th licensed protest since we started in October last year, and this will be in complete solidarity with the nation during this time when the Zionist entity has escalated its treacherous actions beyond the Palestinian borders, impacting the region’s political stability,” said Mr Abdulla.
Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and seized 253 hostages in the October 7 attack according to Israeli tallies, triggering a massive assault on Gaza.
Israel’s ongoing air and ground campaign since has killed more than 40,000 people – mostly civilians, according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza.
It has also driven most of the population from their homes, and brought people to the brink of famine, aid agencies say.
Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced multiple times since the start of the war and the fighting has brought misery to thousands trapped in overcrowded tent shelters.
The society has been vocal since last year with its boycott movement of American and Israeli goods including fashion brands, electronics, restaurants and other retail entities.
“We are confident that the society’s efforts have significantly bolstered the boycott movement,” said Mr Abdulla.
“Daily reports highlight the financial losses experienced by large organisations due to the global boycott and we are optimistic that the Bahraini people will persist in this effort.”
The society recently faced a setback after its YouTube account promoting its activities among other topics was taken down.
“Our initial YouTube channel was removed a few months ago, and despite our appeals, the decision was upheld,” claimed Mr Abdulla.
“Now, a second channel has been deleted, and our subsequent appeal has also been denied.
“However, it is crucial to note that these actions will not deter us.
“We remain steadfast in using any available platform to broadcast our activities and deliver our message on local, regional and international stages.”
The Bahrain Society Against Normalisation with the Zionist Enemy was first set up in 1963.
An Israel Boycott Office, in Mina Salman, was closed down in line with World Trade Organisation regulations and to help pave the way for the Free Trade Agreement between Bahrain and the US in 2004.
In November 2012, MPs voted in favour of a proposal to reopen the office following Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip which killed more than 140 people, but this was rejected by the Shura Council.
The group continues with its call to reopen the office in line with growing public sentiments in the region.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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