Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Paris Olympics organizers’ headquarters, urging restrictions on Israel’s involvement in the upcoming Summer Games. Approximately 300 people assembled in Saint-Denis, waving Palestinian flags and demanding action against Israel’s “institutional participation” in light of the conflict in Gaza.
Drawing parallels with Russia’s situation, where athletes compete under a neutral flag due to political circumstances, protesters called for similar measures for Israeli athletes. However, French President Emmanuel Macron defended Israel’s participation, asserting that it was a response to a terrorist attack.
Macron’s stance received criticism, with some labeling Israel’s military response as disproportionate. Despite the controversy, recent pro-Palestinian protests in France have intensified, resulting in police interventions at universities, including the Sorbonne and Sciences Po.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.
