Bahrainis condemn 'negative' Arab stance

Manama: Thousands of Bahrainis condemned the 'negative' approach of Arab and Islamic countries in dealing with the plight of Lebanese and Palestinians, during a rally on Tuesday to protest the Israeli attack, reported a local newspaper yesterday.

The protesters called for a shutdown of Israeli embassies in Arab capitals, reported Al Wasat.

Organised by Islamic Council for Scholars, a Shiite council, the rally started from Seef district and crossed many cities in Manama.

The newspaper reported that the protesters, around 15,000-strong, shouted slogans denouncing Israel and America and supporting Hezbollah such as "May God protect Nasrallah", "Hezbollah is the winner" and "Death to America and Israel". They also criticised Arab initiatives to lift a ban on Israeli goods.

The writer is a journalist based in Manama