The head of Palestine’s National Olympic Committee has announced that he will refuse to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart, or any members of their delegation, at Paris 2024 unless they acknowledge his state’s right to independence.
Jibril Rajoub, who has advocated for the exclusion of Israeli athletes from international events amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, informed the Guardian that he would not engage with Yael Arad or her team on principle if they encounter each other during the Olympics.
He further stated that the Palestinian team has not been provided any guidance on how to act if they face an Israeli competitor, asserting that his organization will ensure compliance with the Olympic Charter.
“Before you inquire about my stance, ask them: do they recognize the very existence of the Palestinian people and our right to an independent state alongside Israel, in accordance with UN legitimacy?” Rajoub expressed. “If they show this commitment, I have no issue shaking hands with anyone who acknowledges my right to self-determination and our right to exist.
“But I will not engage in hollow gestures with anyone who does not. This is not about politeness; it’s a matter of principle. They must be willing to work towards building bridges of peace through mutual recognition.”
Ukrainian athletes have also declared that they will not shake hands with any Russian or Belarusian athletes at this summer’s Games; Rajoub mentioned that there is no similar directive for Palestine’s eight-member team and indicated that there are no plans for actions that fall outside the Olympic movement’s code of conduct.
“The Palestinian athletes and I will adhere to the principles of the IOC. If there are any violations from our side, we must combat them. The responsibility lies with the other side. Inquire with the president of the Israeli national Olympic committee about how they can motivate their soldiers and how their judo champion can support such actions. Do not ask the victim, ask the perpetrator.”
Rajoub referenced Peter Paltchik, an Israeli judoka scheduled to be one of the flag bearers at the opening ceremony, who has allegedly shared images of Israeli missiles on social media accompanied by the caption, “From me to you with pleasure”.
The Israeli team did not respond to the Guardian’s request for a statement.
Rajoub, who also heads the Palestinian Football Association, was welcomed by France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, during a reception at the Élysée Palace on Friday.
The Palestine NOC reports that around 400 Palestinian athletes have lost their lives since October 7, with much of the sporting infrastructure severely damaged. This serves as one of the bases for Palestine’s push for Israel’s suspension; another point being that the ongoing bombings in Gaza breach the Olympic truce tradition. Rajoub emphasized that the very fact Palestine can field a team in Paris ought to inspire others.
“We could not bring a single athlete from Gaza,” he remarked regarding a team primarily composed of athletes based abroad. “So participating in the Olympics is a significant accomplishment. It sends a positive message that we are present despite all challenges. Frustration and surrender will not define our position. We approach this with genuine spirit and a clear message to the world.”
Speaking from a hotel in Paris, Rajoub highlighted the enthusiastic reception the Palestinian athletes received from approximately 100 people at Charles de Gaulle Airport on Thursday as a reason for his ease in mingling with guests and delegates. “I move around freely and feel safe,” he stated. “There is no one guarding me; my country’s logo is welcomed warmly by all. Such a reception conveyed a message of hope to our people, while also serving as a red card to the other side.”
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Rajoub, who previously engaged in armed struggles and has had a lengthy political tenure before taking the reins of Palestine’s football and Olympic organizations, does not have a clean slate with sports authorities. In 2018, he received a one-year ban from FIFA for calling on fans to burn images of Lionel Messi prior to a match between Israel and Argentina.
Other incidents of contention include his reported disapproval of a proposed minute’s silence during the London 2012 Games to honor the 11 Israeli athletes slain by the Black September group at the Munich Olympics in 1972. This tribute ultimately did not take place.
Israel’s contingent of 88 Olympians is the only one under constant protection throughout the Games.
During the opening ceremony, Israeli Olympians shared a boat with Iceland as they navigated the Seine. Concurrently, Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, met with Macron, expressing gratitude for his role in hosting the Olympics. Herzog shared on X, “I appreciate his efforts in combating antisemitism and ensuring that our outstanding Israeli delegation can compete proudly and fairly in the Olympic Games.
“Israel takes pride in its participation in the Olympics and in showcasing its flag on this significant global platform. With each jump, step, kick, lift, and strike, we stand in solidarity with our sons and daughters on the frontlines, with those displaced from their homes in the country’s north and south, and we continue to advocate for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas.”
