IOC issue statement on banning Israel from Olympic Games over Gaza war

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have released a new statement on banning Israel from the Olympics and Paralympics.

Israel are currently free to participate in Olympic events, as well as in UEFA and FIFA football tournaments.

Over 80,000 people are reported to have been killed in the Palestinian territory of Gaza since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023.

It is said that over 17,000 of those killed have been children.

Gaza has now been declared by the United Nations as being under a 'man-made' famine, with experts from the global organisation accusing Israel of committing 'genocidal acts' in the region back in March.

Pressure has grown over Israel's future participation in international events, with The Times reporting last week that several Europa League sides had 'tested the water' with UEFA over whether there would be a process to request whether they could avoid facing Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

And both the Norway FA and the Italian Football Coaches Association have called on UEFA and FIFA to ban Israel from international football.

Now, the IOC have released their own statement - in which they reaffirm their commitment to allowing Israel to take part in their events.

A spokesperson for the committee told Australian outlet SBS News that the teams representing Israel and Palestine are recognised and still 'have equal rights'.

"Teams from both participated in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and their athletes were living peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village," the statement added.

The context behind the latest statement involves a recent private meeting with the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australia cricket star Usman Khawaja.

Khawaja, who has scored over 6,000 Test runs for Australia during his career, has advocated for the rights of Palestinians since the war broke out in October 2023.

In December 2023, the 39-year-old opening batter was charged for wearing a black armband in support of Gaza during a Test match against Pakistan.

In a press conference outside Australia's Parliament building following his meeting with Albanese, Khawaja stated: "No country that doesn't follow international law or humanitarian law, is committing war crimes, [should] just seriously be looked at in their position and their privilege around the world."

He was asked about Israel's potential participation in the 2032 Olympics, which is being held in Brisbane, and replied: "I'm hoping I'm still not talking this in 2032. If this is still going on in 2032, God help us."