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An MP from France's radical-left France Unbowed party, Thomas Portes, has ignited controversy by declaring that Israeli athletes should be barred from the Paris Olympics, citing Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza. Speaking at a pro-Palestinian event in Paris, Portes asserted that the Israeli delegation is "not welcome" and urged for widespread protests against their participation.
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Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), condemned Portes’ remarks as "indecent" and "irresponsible," emphasizing that Israeli athletes could face heightened risks at the Games, recalling the 1972 Munich Olympics where 11 Israeli athletes were murdered by Palestinian terrorists.
Portes further proposed that French diplomats should push the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ban the Israeli flag and anthem at the Games, equating the situation with the IOC's treatment of Russia. He criticized what he perceived as double standards in the international sporting community.
Portes’ statements have been met with backlash from various political figures. Karen Taieb, deputy mayor of Paris, labeled Portes as "a danger and a disgrace," condemning his actions as promoting hatred. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused Portes of exhibiting "hints of antisemitism" and assured that Israeli athletes would be under constant security during the Olympics.
Socialist MP Jérôme Guedj affirmed that Israeli athletes, like all international competitors, are welcome, stressing that their presence should be valued for their achievements, not for their nationality.
With the Olympics set to commence, Israel’s football team is slated to play its opening match against Mali at Paris’s Parc des Princes stadium. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné assured the Israeli delegation of a warm welcome, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to attend key events during the Games, including a boat parade on the Seine and a memorial for the 1972 Munich victims.
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