Athletic teams from Arab nations are refusing to play games against Israeli teams at the International Special Olympics in Dublin, Ireland, news agencies report.
According to the Irish Times, athletes from Saudi Arabia and Algeria refused to play Israel in soccer and table tennis Sunday, citing “political reasons.” Teams refusing to compete could face disqualification from competition, the paper said.
In reporting the development, Israel National News stated, “While some Israeli leaders continue to speak of the new Middle East, and living in peace with our neighbors, Israeli athletes at the Special Olympics in Ireland are getting a taste of the true feeling of our Arab neighbors toward Israel.”
The Irish paper Mayo News reported that the boycott is being blamed on government officials in the Arab countries, rather than the team coaches and players. Negotiations reportedly were ongoing to reach a resolution in the standoff.
Meanwhile, Michael D Higgins, an Irish lawmaker has criticized the Israeli government for preventing a 21-year-old Palestinian athlete from traveling to Ireland for the Special Olympics, reports the Irish Examiner.
According to the report, the handball player, who has Down Syndrome, was refused permission to attend the games because of an Israeli policy blocking residents of the Palestinian territories from traveling abroad.
“It is really an incredible action against humanity, not just against the young person, but against all of the people of Gaza and all of those who are interested in allowing anybody who has reached a standard to participate,” he said told the paper.
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WND Staff