Manama Regrets Beirut’s Hosting of Press Conference for Figures who Are Hostile to Bahrain

A view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)
A view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)
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Manama Regrets Beirut’s Hosting of Press Conference for Figures who Are Hostile to Bahrain

A view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)
A view of Manama, Bahrain. (Getty Images)

Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Sunday its "deep regret" over and denunciation of Beirut’s hosting of a press conference for "hostile persons designated as supporters and sponsors of terrorism, with the purpose of disseminating and promoting abusive and malicious allegations against the kingdom."

In a statement carried by the Bahrain news agency (BNA), the Ministry announced that a "strongly-worded formal protest note had been submitted to the Lebanese government regarding this unacceptable act, which is a flagrant violation of the principles of respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, in contravention of international charters and the charter of the Arab League."

The Ministry added that an official note verbale of protest had been sent to the Secretariat General of the Arab League in this regard, expressing Bahrain's condemnation of this "unfriendly step" by Lebanese authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Lebanese government "to prevent such reprehensible practices that aim to offend the Kingdom of Bahrain, and are inconsistent with the most basic diplomatic norms and the brotherly relations between the two peoples."

In Beirut, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he was informed of Manama's formal complaint, saying he had urgently referred it to the concerned authorities and demanded that an immediate probe be launched in the incident so that it can be avoided in the future.

Mikati strongly condemned any offense against Bahrain, its leadership and people, rejecting any meddling in the kingdom's internal affairs.

He also refused to have Lebanon be used as a platform to launch abuse against Bahrain or any other Arab country, especially the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

He stressed that he is keen on the "historic and close ties" that bind Lebanon and Bahrain, adding that what they share "is deeper than any wrong behavior that does not reflect the position of the vast majority of the Lebanese people."

Bahrain had in October expelled the Lebanese ambassador over offensive comments made by a Lebanese minister against Saudi Arabia. The minister has since resigned.



Following Netanyahu and Trump Statements… PA Says Holds Onto State, Gaza Rule

This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
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Following Netanyahu and Trump Statements… PA Says Holds Onto State, Gaza Rule

This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
This picture taken from a position at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows Israeli army vehicles driving in the besieged Palestinian territory on July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said on Tuesday the Israeli plan to block the creation of a Palestinian State and the return of rule to the Gaza Strip, will not succeed.

During the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mustafa stressed that the official Palestinian stance is the embodiment of an independent state.

“The establishment of a Palestinian state requires cooperation under a single political and security system, alongside unified national institutions,” the PM said.

He noted that only through such unity can humanitarian aid effectively reach the people of Gaza and reconstruction efforts commence, ultimately leading to the realization of the long-awaited independent Palestinian state.

Mustafa said Israel is actively opposing this vision by mobilizing all its institutions and agencies to weaken the Palestinian Authority and enforce a financial blockade aimed at preventing it from fulfilling its responsibilities toward the people in Gaza.

Additionally, he said, Israel seeks to block the creation of a Palestinian state, despite widespread international consensus in its favor.

“The Israeli plan will not succeed,” the PM noted, underscoring the resilience of the Palestinian people and their steadfast determination to fulfill their national responsibilities with unwavering strength and resolve.

The Prime Minister also noted that with the growing likelihood of a near ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the government hopes for swift success in these efforts, while emphasizing that preparations are underway to coordinate relief operations and organize a reconstruction conference.

Mustafa spoke after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington that Israel would not allow the establishment of the Palestinian state, and that he was working with several states to push Palestinians from Gaza to other countries.

Also, a senior Israeli official accompanying Netanyahu to the US said that Israel was preparing to assume control of Gaza temporarily.

Day After

In Washington, Netanyahu and Trump discussed what Gaza might look like the “day after” the war with Hamas, according to the Hebrew Maariv newspaper and the Walla website.

Later, an Israeli official made a firm statement saying: “Of course there will be Palestinians, but there will be no Palestinian Authority.”