“We are not in the political business” - IOC stresses ‘neutrality’ after Palestinian call for Israel ban at Paris 2024 Olympics
After Palestine called for the banning of Israel from the Paris 2024 Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Tuesday reinforced the organization's stance of neutrality on the matter.
The Palestine Olympic Committee sent a letter to the IOC on Monday where it cited Israel’s ongoing offensive at the Gaza Strip as a violation of the Olympic truce and called for the latter to be banned from the upcoming Paris Games. The IOC is presently reviewing reviewing the letter.
However, the IOC President has clarified that the organization will not involve itself in political disputes and will attempt to foster peaceful coexistence at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“The position of the IOC is very clear. We have two National Olympic Committees, that is the difference with the world of politics, and in this respect both have been living in peaceful co-existence,” President Bach said in a press conference.
“The Palestinian NOC has greatly benefitted. Palestine is not a recognised member state of the UN but the NOC is a recognised National Olympic Committee enjoying the equal rights and opportunities like all the other NOCs,” he added. “We are not in the political business, we are there to accomplish our mission to get the athletes together.”
Palestine highlights Gaza's sufferings as it calls for Israel to be banned from the Paris 2024 Olympics
In its letter to the IOC, the Palestine Olympic Committee highlighted the present situation in Gaza due to the military conflict with Israel.
“Palestinian athletes, particularly those in Gaza, are denied safe passage and have suffered significantly due to the ongoing conflict,” the letter to the IOC read. “Approximately 400 Palestinian athletes have been killed, and the destruction of sports facilities exacerbates the plight of athletes who are already under severe restrictions.”
While the IOC is reviewing the letter, it is likely to be rejected.
The IOC’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is markedly different from its approach towards Belarus and Russia, who have both been banned from taking part in the Paris 2024 Olympics due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.