Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Paris Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, urging strict limits on Israel's participation due to the ongoing war in Gaza and the country's "institutional participation" in the Games.
In a passionate display of opposition, an estimated 300 demonstrators marched outside the Paris Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games headquarters earlier this week. Their primary demand was the implementation of rigid restrictions on Israel's involvement in the upcoming Olympics.
The protest centered around the perceived disparity in treatment between Russia and Israel. Following the invasion of Ukraine, Russian athletes were swiftly banned from the Games and Russian government officials were barred from attending. However, Israel has not faced similar consequences despite its offensive in Gaza.
"They didn’t need more than four days to decide to ban Russia and Belorussia from the Olympics after the invasion of Ukraine," said Nicolas Shahshahani, a participant in the protest. "They are prepared to welcome the Israeli delegation."
The demonstrators brandished Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against Israel's "institutional participation" in the Games, echoing the sentiments of anti-Israel agitators who have staged protests and attempted to occupy campus buildings at prestigious French universities.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for the IOC's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag. He defended Israel's participation under its own flag, stating that Israel was responding to a terrorist attack.
The demonstrations highlight the growing international pressure on Israel due to its actions in Gaza. Palestinian rights activists and supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement have been vocal in their condemnation of Israel's policies, calling for a boycott of Israeli institutions and businesses.
The protests come as the Paris Olympics approach, scheduled to begin on July 26. The Paralympic Games will follow from August 28 to September 8.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
