Thomas Bach, the IOC President, confirmed that six to eight Palestinian athletes will be given this unique opportunity.
Bach, in an interview with Agence France-Presse, stated, "We have made the clear commitment that even if no [Palestinian] athlete would qualify on the field of play… then the NOC [National Olympic Committee] of Palestine would benefit from invitations, like other national Olympic Committees who do not have a qualified athlete." He emphasized the IOC's ongoing support for athletes, enabling them to participate in qualifications and continue their training.
This development comes amidst escalating global pressure on Israel to mitigate its offensive against Hamas, an Islamist group. The conflict has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian lives.
In a separate development, French President Emmanuel Macron has decreed that Russian athletes can compete in the games, albeit under a neutral banner. These athletes must not have publicly endorsed Russia's invasion of Ukraine or have any connections to Russia's military or security services.
WATCH: NFL LEGEND LAWRENCE TAYLOR ENDORSES TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT
Bach drew a distinction between the situations in Palestine and Russia, stating, "The situation between Israel and Palestine is completely different." He reiterated the IOC's horror at the ongoing conflict and its devastating consequences, stating, "From day one, we expressed how horrified we were, first on the seventh of October and then about the war and its horrifying consequences. We have always been very clear, as we have been with the Russian invasion in Ukraine."
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
