Israel’s national ice hockey team has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming world championships by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced that it will not allow the Israeli National Team to participate in any IIHF Championships due to safety concerns. In a statement released on Wednesday on its website, the IIHF stated that it wants to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, including the Israeli team, before allowing them to participate in future championships.
The sport’s council said it took the decision after careful consideration and based on a risk assessment, discussions with the participating countries and discussions with the hosts.
The IIHF used similar security concern language when it barred Russia and Belarus from participating in global tournaments due to the war in Ukraine.
Israel has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since 7 October following the killing of about 1,200 people during a Hamas attack on Israel.
Since Israel started its offensive, over 23,000 people have died including children, journalists and UN aid workers.
About 1.9 million people out of the about two million people living in Gaza have been displaced.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing arguments from South Africa and Israel which could lead to the court asking Israel to quit its operations in Gaza.
South Africa filed a case at the world court accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and asking the court to ask Israel to halt the attack on Gaza.
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