The world’s best athletes are shining at the Summer Olympics - yet the war in Gaza is casting a dark cloud over the games.
The Palestinian team was greeted with cheers and gifts as they arrived in Paris. The eight athletes hope their presence will inspire a message of peace and bring attention to the conflict at home.
During the opening ceremony along the Seine, one of the Palestinian flag-bearers wore a shirt depicting war scenes. This was allowed despite the International Olympic Committee’s ban on political expressions, yet the IOC denied Team Israel’s request to wear yellow ribbons in solidarity with hostages taken by Hamas.
Olympic officials and French President Emmanuel Macron rejected calls to ban Israeli athletes over the war, but the head of the Palestinian Olympic Committee said he won’t shake hands with the Israeli delegation until there is recognition of Palestine.
Protests against Israel and for Palestinians are in full swing at the games. Israel’s 88 Olympians are being protected by armed guards and security is tight at Israeli events.
At Israel’s soccer match with Mali, spectators had to be patted down before entering the stadium.
The 2024 games may be in full swing, but the war in Gaza is testing the Olympic spirit of peace and unity.
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