Palestinian sports officials have urged the international community to take decisive action against Israel, accusing it of enforcing “apartheid policies” that restrict Palestinian athletes.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Geneva by the Association of Correspondents Accredited to the UN (ACANU), Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, appealed for sanctions and global isolation of Israel in sports.
He invoked the Olympic Charter’s commitment to fairness, ethics, and social responsibility, arguing that similar measures were imposed against apartheid-era South Africa.
Rajoub criticized the perceived double standards in global sports governance, pointing out that while Russian athletes face bans due to geopolitical conflicts, Israel continues to compete freely despite alleged human rights violations.
He urged sports organizations to act beyond verbal condemnation and implement punitive measures until Israel aligns with international laws.
Palestinian swimmer Valerie Tarazi also addressed the briefing, shedding light on the destruction of sports infrastructure in Gaza.
She claimed that over 260 sports facilities had been damaged, with nearly 200 completely reduced to rubble, including stadiums and Olympic training centers.
She further alleged that more than 300 Palestinian athletes, referees, and coaches had been killed, including people from her own circle.
Calling for accountability, Tarazi urged the International Olympic Committee and FIFA to take meaningful steps, stressing that without protection, Palestinian sports remained at constant risk of destruction.
