Swiss Protesters Demand Israel's Exclusion from 2024 Olympics
Protesters in Lausanne Leave Red Handprints on IOC Building, Highlighting Gaza Crisis
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Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the International Olympic Committee's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Wednesday, calling for Israel to be banned from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The protesters, who painted their hands red to symbolize civilian casualties in Gaza, demanded that the IOC take action against Israel.
The protesters highlighted the IOC's swift decision to exclude Russia and Belarus from the 2022 Olympics over the war in Ukraine, citing that it took "only a few days" to make such a decision. In contrast, they urged the IOC to take similar action against Israel, labeling it a "criminal state" and demanding that it be held accountable for its actions.
The protesters, who included a banner reading "Let's ban the genocidal Israeli state from the Olympic Games," pointed to Israel's alleged war crimes and called for sanctions to be imposed on Tel Aviv. They also urged French President Emmanuel Macron to cut off diplomatic ties with Israel, particularly arms sales, and impose cultural and academic boycotts on the country.
The protesters also condemned Israel's treatment of Palestinians, including the ongoing blockade of Gaza, which has left millions of people without access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and medicine. According to local health authorities, more than 37,200 Palestinians have been killed and over 84,900 others injured in Gaza since the start of the Israeli war.
The peaceful protest lasted just over two hours and ended without police intervention. The protesters' demands come as international condemnation continues to mount against Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.
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