The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold in a context of fragility
Former Navy Seal Jared Hudson and Republican Senate candidate Jared Hudson say President Donald Trump’s Middle East policy is a new change of pace from past “neoconservative” administrations that perpetuated forever wars over “the story with Martha MacCallum.”
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has condemned a recent Indonesian government sanction against the Israeli national gymnastics team.
The Indonesian government has denied Israelis visas to enter the country for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, which began on Sunday.
“The IOC’s principled position is very clear: all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to participate in international sporting competitions and events without any form of discrimination from the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality which govern the Olympic Movement,” the IOC press release said.
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Silver medalists from Israel celebrate on the podium during the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final medal ceremony at the Paris Games at the Porte de la Chapelle arena on August 10, 2024, in Paris. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“It is therefore the direct responsibility of the host country, the organizer and the sports organizations directly concerned to ensure that this principle is fully respected and that all necessary assurances are provided in advance by the competent authorities of the host country.”
The IOC also said its officials would discuss the situation with Indonesia at its next meeting.
“Sport must remain a safe space for athletes to realize their dreams; and athletes must not be held responsible for political decisions,” the statement added.
Indonesia said it would not grant visas to the Israeli team due to the war in Gaza. Then, on Tuesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Israel’s request for intervention.
The Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) released a statement regarding the sanction.
“The rules are clear and Indonesia’s actions constitute a blatant violation of them. It is inconceivable that any country can ban another nation from participating in a World Championship while the governing bodies sit idly by,” the statement said via the BBC.
“This decision undermines the very foundations of sport and fair competition, and it is a huge blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly for this moment.”
Indonesia had already been stripped of its right to host the Under-20 FIFA World Cup when the governor of Bali refused to host the Israel team in a match.
Indonesia’s latest sanction against the IGF is just the latest example of restrictions imposed on Israeli sports teams and fans in recent months.
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Team Israel competes in the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final at the Paris Games at the Porte de la Chapelle arena on August 10, 2024, in Paris. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
THE Israeli Prime Minister The Tech cycling team has been excluded from an upcoming race in Italy, the Giro dell’Emilia, scheduled for October 4, due to potential disruptions. pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
The UEFA Europa League, Europe’s biggest soccer body, was reportedly preparing to vote in September on whether to suspend Israel over the war in Gaza.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that no action would be taken against the team on October 3. He then reportedly met privately at FIFA headquarters with the head of the Palestinian football federation, Jibril Rajoub, and praised his organization “for its resilience at this time,” according to the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, fans of Israeli teams have also been excluded from recent major events.
Lovers of the Israeli The Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team is barred from attending a Europa League match in Birmingham, England, on November 6 for security reasons, after its fans were attacked in Amsterdam during a match against Ajax last fall.
President Donald Trump oversaw the historic ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last week.
As part of the ceasefire, Hamas released the remaining 20 live hostages held in Gaza, while Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
