After Israeli Athlete Ban, Malaysian Flag Flies High at Gaza Stadium

Gaza, MINA – The Malaysian flag flew high at Gaza Stadium on Tuesday, after the Malaysian government banned Israeli athletes from an upcoming Paralympics swimming qualifier.

The flag was flown alongside banners at the Yarmouk stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in Gaza when a soccer match took place, Malaysiakini reported.

“Thank you, Malaysia for standing against normalization (of relations) with so-called Israel,” as written in the banner, a sign of Palestinian people’s appreciation for Malaysia’s firmness.

The Chairman of the Palestinian Muslim Culture Organization (PCOM) Imran said the action was to show the pride of Palestinians towards Malaysia.

Following Malaysia’s decision, Israel denounced Malaysia and described Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as a person who has strong antisemitism. The Israeli Olympic Committee also has pressed organizers to give their athletes a visa.

Also Read: Football Association Condemns Israel's Targeting of A Sports Club in Gaza

Mahathir once again emphasized that Malaysia has the right to close its borders with several parties.

“We have absolutely no diplomatic relations with Israel and we think they made many mistakes but stayed away because no one dared to say anything to them,” he said, adding that he did not mind being called anti-Semitic. (T/Sj/R04)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)