The IOC has made a new statement about Israel.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a new statement about Israel’s ban from the Olympics and Paralympics.
Israel is now free to compete in Olympic games, as well as UEFA and FIFA football tournaments.
Over 80,000 Palestinians have been dead in the Palestinian region of Gaza since the Israel-Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
It is estimated that nearly 17,000 of those slain were youngsters.
The UN has declared Gaza to be suffering from a’man-made’ famine, with experts accusing Israel of conducting ‘genocidal crimes’ in the region in March.
Pressure has intensified on Israel’s future involvement in international events, with The Times reporting last week that some Europa League clubs have ‘tested the waters’ with UEFA to see if there would be a method to avoid facing Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Both the Norwegian Football Association and the Italian Football Coaches Association have urged UEFA and FIFA to ban Israel from international football.
Now, the IOC has issued its own statement, reaffirming its commitment to enabling Israel to participate in their events.
According to a committee representative, the teams representing Israel and Palestine are recognized and continue to ‘enjoy equal privileges’.
“Teams from both participated in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and their athletes were living peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village,” according to a statement.
The latest assertion is based on a recent private discussion with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja.
Khawaja, who has scored more than 6,000 Test runs for Australia, has pushed for Palestinian rights since the conflict began in October 2023.
https://x.com/10SportAU/status/1960916297870664170
In December 2023, the 39-year-old opening batsman was charged with wearing a black armband in solidarity of Gaza during a Test against Pakistan.
Following his meeting with Albanese, Khawaja stated in a press conference outside Australia’s Parliament building: “No country that doesn’t follow international law or humanitarian law, is committing war crimes, [should] just seriously be looked at in their position and privilege around the world.”
When asked about Israel’s probable participation in the 2032 Olympics, which would be hosted in Brisbane, he answered, “I hope I’m still not talking about it in 2032. If this continues in 2032, God help us.”
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