Israels Olympic delegation have departed for Paris Olympics in spite of calls from the Palestinian contingent to ban Israeli athletes due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Summer Games in the French capital will commence this Friday against a backdrop of heightened security concerns and growing international outrage over Israels ongoing bombardment in Gaza.
The Palestine Olympic Committee announced that it had sent a letter to International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach, requesting Israels exclusion, citing the bombings in Gaza as a violation of the Olympic truce.
The letter stressed that Palestinian athletes, especially those in Gaza, are denied safe passage and have been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict. It mentioned that approximately 400 Palestinian athletes have been killed, and the destruction of sports facilities has worsened the plight of athletes already facing severe restrictions.
The committee also referenced a recent opinion by the UNs top court declaring Israels occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.
Prior to their departure for France, Israel Olympic Committee President Yael Arad hailed it as a victory that the team's 88 athletes were able to participate in the Games.
