The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday voiced serious concern over Indonesia\u2019s decision to deny visas to Israeli athletes set to compete in the upcoming Gymnastics World Championships. The move by Indonesian authorities last week effectively bars Israeli gymnasts from taking part in the event, which begins Sunday, prompting the Israeli Gymnastics Federation to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The federation urged either guaranteed participation for its athletes or relocation or cancellation of the championships. However, CAS dismissed the appeal, confirming that Israeli athletes will not compete in the October 19\u201323 tournament, hosted by the world\u2019s most populous Muslim-majority nation. In a statement released Friday, the IOC said it was \u201cgreatly concerned\u201d by the situation and announced plans to review Indonesia\u2019s conduct at its next Executive Board meeting. \u201cThe IOC\u2019s stance is clear: all eligible athletes, teams, and officials must be allowed to participate in international competitions without discrimination by the host country,\u201d the statement read. \u201cIt is the direct responsibility of the host nation and organizing bodies to uphold this principle.\u201d The committee emphasized that sports must remain separate from political disputes, adding, \u201cAthletes should not be punished or excluded for political reasons. Sport must remain a safe space where they can pursue their dreams.\u201d Indonesian authorities, however, defended their decision, saying the visa denial aligns with the country\u2019s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. Israel remains at war with the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza for over two years, where, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave, more than 67,900 people have been killed figures the United Nations deems credible. Israel launched the war in response to Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. In July 2023, Indonesia pulled out of hosting the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games following controversy over Israel’s participation. In March that year, Indonesia lost the hosting rights to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after two governors objected to Israel’s participation. Although both of those were before war broke out in Gaza.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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