According to a report by Times of Israel, a French lawmaker has ignited a political firestorm by declaring that Israeli athletes are “not welcome” at the upcoming Paris Olympics due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Thomas Portes, a member of the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party, made the incendiary remarks at a rally in support of Palestinians, stating, “The Israeli delegation is not welcome in Paris. Israeli sportspeople are not welcome at the Paris Olympic Games” and called for “mobilisation” around the event.
Portes further suggested that France’s diplomats should pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to bar the Israeli flag and anthem, similar to the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
“It’s time to end the double standard,” Portes added, drawing ire from various political factions and Jewish organizations.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin condemned Portes’ statement, accusing him of “putting a target on the backs of Israeli athletes”. Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, echoed these sentiments, calling Portes’ comments “irresponsible”.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Gaza health ministry reporting nearly 39,000 casualties since the outbreak of hostilities….Seë_Morë