Fury as Israel gymnastics team denied visas for World Championships despite Gaza ceasefire

The International Olympics Committee has slammed the government of Indonesia for refusing to allow the Israel gymnastics team visas to compete at the World Championships in Jakarta.

Indonesia refused to grant visas for the Israel team because of the war in Gaza, even with a ceasefire now in place. Israel's intended participation had sparked fierce opposition in the Muslim-majority country, a staunch supporter of Palestinians. This week, Indonesians were pictured in the streets showing solidarity with Palestine and celebrating the rejection of Israeli gymnasts from entering the country.

Israel took its fight to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, which this week turned down its request to force the International Gymnastic Federation (FIG) to force Israel's participation, or alternatively cancel or move the artistic worlds.

Now, the IOC have hit out, saying in a statement: 'All eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to participate in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination from the host country.

'Sport must remain a safe space for athletes to fulfill their dreams; and athletes must not be held responsible for political decisions.'

Israel was among 86 countries registered to compete at the event, with a team featuring 2021 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgopyat in the men's floor exercise. 

But instead, they are staying at home. The Israel Gymnastics Federation said its athlets are 'heartbroken' and said before that it had been assured that its inclusion was guaranteed.

'For this world championship, this is the end of the road. So we cannot, no matter what will happen for the gymnast, we cannot fix their hearts,' IGF general secretary Sarit Shenar told Reuters.

'For the future Israeli sports, for future world sports, I want to see a very strong decision that leaves no room for such decisions from any kind to any country.'

Indonesia's government policy is to have no ties with Israel until it recognizes 'the independence and full sovereignty of the state of Palestine'. 

The stance also contributed to them denying the Israeli gymnastics team visas, the country's senior legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said last week.

Donald Trump declared an end to the two-year Gaza war on October 13. It was triggered by Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 people.

In repsonse, swathes of the Gaza Strip have been reduced to wasteland by Israeli bombardment. Gaza health authorities say 68,000 people were killed from the Israel offensive.