French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Israeli athletes are “welcome” at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, while the decision on the participation of Russian athletes rests with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In an interview with France 2 TV, which was broadcast live ahead of the Games, Macron emphasised the difference between Israel and Russia, noting that Israel is not waging a “war of aggression.” He emphasised that the IOC will determine whether Russian athletes can compete. Macron also said:
“We are not using the Games to engage in politics. Israeli athletes are welcome guests in our country. They will compete under their (national) colours as decided by the committee… and France is obliged to guarantee their safety.”
Macron reiterated that France recognises Israel’s right to self-defence. He acknowledged that he has “deep disagreements” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has not confirmed his presence at the opening ceremony of the Paris Games. However, he noted that Netanyahu “would be welcome.”
Earlier, a left-wing lawmaker said the Israeli delegation was not welcome at the Olympics and called for protests against its participation. In contrast, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said Israeli athletes would be under 24-hour security.
On Monday, the Palestinian Olympic Committee joined calls to exclude Israel from the Games in an open letter to International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. The letter accuses Israel of violating the traditional Olympic truce, which is supposed to last from July 19 until the end of the Paralympic Games in mid-September, due to ongoing hostilities in Gaza.
Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 39,000 Palestinians, including 15,000 children, and injured more than 90,000 in the Gaza Strip. In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli army has also killed 580 people, including 140 children, and injured 5,350.
Letter from Abbas
Former US President Donald Trump released a letter from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas late Tuesday night after the assassination attempt on Trump. In his letter, Abbas expressed “grave concern” over the assassination attempt and noted that he had seen footage of the incident. “Acts of violence must not have a place in a world of law and order,” he wrote. Abbas also added:
“Despicable acts of attempted or successful assassinations are acts of weakness with failed understanding of peaceful measures to resolve conflicts. Differences must be resolved through communication with freedom of expression. Our thoughts are also with the families of those who lost their life and were injured. Wishing you strength and safety.”
Trump posted the letter on his Truth Social platform, adding beneath Abbas’s well-wishes with a sharpie: “Mahmoud – So nice – Thank you – Everything will be good. Best Wishes.”
Australian woman raped in Paris
French police have launched an investigation after an Australian woman claimed she was raped by five men in the heart of Paris.
The 25-year-old woman sought refuge in a kebab shop in the Pigalle district on the morning of 20 July, her dress partially torn. Although no arrests have been made yet, prosecutors have confirmed that the investigation is being treated as a case of “gang rape.”
The incident took place a few days before the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in the French capital. French newspaper Le Parisien reported that the restaurant owners called for help when they saw the woman was in a serious condition. Firefighters provided immediate assistance to the woman following the alleged attack, after which she was taken to Bishat Hospital for medical examination.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said police were investigating and examining CCTV footage. The prosecutor’s office said in a statement:
“The investigation into the charge of gang rape, which was probably committed on the night of July 19-20, has been assigned to the second judicial police district.”
Australia’s Olympic team chief Anna Meares said the team was aware of the Australian woman’s allegations of rape in Paris and urged the country’s athletes to take extra care during the Paris Games amid heightened security measures.
French Alps to host athletes in winter 2020
Meanwhile, The French Alps have been officially named as the site of the 2030 Winter Olympics – a bid backed by President Macron – just days before Paris is set to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The IOC confirmed the choice on July 24. However, it comes with some conditions.
In particular, it must be signed by the next prime minister. Ultimately, the government that will be formed after the Summer Games must sign off on all the organisational guarantees within the agreement.
The deadline for signing the agreement is set for October 1 – just over three weeks after the Paralympic Games close on September 8. IOC President Thomas Bach said that, in addition, the National Assembly will have until March 1, 2025 to ratify the document.
