Protests escalate ahead of Paris Olympics over Israeli participation

Tensions are rising in Paris as the city gears up for the Summer Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to Aug. 11.

Approximately 300 pro-Palestinian protesters recently converged near the Paris Olympics organizers' headquarters in Saint-Denis, demanding that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) limit Israel's participation in the upcoming games.

The protesters, brandishing Palestinian flags and chanting slogans, argue that the IOC should treat Israel similarly to Russia, which faces restrictions at the Olympics due to its involvement in Ukraine.

Nicolas Shahshahani, a member of the EuroPalestine activist group and a protest participant, expressed frustration with the IOC’s response to different international conflicts. "They didn’t need more than four days to decide to ban Russia and Belorussia from the Olympics after the invasion of Ukraine," Shahshahani said. He emphasized, "They are prepared to welcome the Israeli delegation."

This wave of demonstrations is not confined to isolated protests. Inspired by Gaza solidarity encampments at U.S. campuses, pro-Palestinian students in France have staged multiple protests. These included attempts to occupy buildings at prominent universities such as the Sorbonne and the Paris Institute of Political Studies, known as Sciences Po.

The Sorbonne saw about 50 students removed by French police on Monday after they occupied the main courtyard. Meanwhile, a standoff outside Sciences Po between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators necessitated police intervention to prevent escalation.

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support for the IOC's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag amidst the Ukraine conflict in early April. However, he stands by the inclusion of Israeli athletes under their national flag despite the ongoing violence in Gaza. "We cannot say that Israel is attacking," Macron stated. "Israel was a victim of a terrorist attack to which it is now responding in Gaza."

With the Paris Olympics and the subsequent Paralympics – to be held from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 – fast approaching, the tensions remain high, with the potential for further unrest as the games draw near.

Source: Newsroom