The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has indefinitely suspended Israel from participating in any of its matches.
In a press conference on Thursday IIHF said that the decision was made, “In accordance with IIHF’s duty of care to protect all participants at IIHF Competitions and its obligation to create corresponding health and safety policies.”
“The IIHF Council, within its power found in IIHF Statute has decided to restrict Israel from participating in IIHF Championships until the safety and well-being of all participants can be assured,” the statement noted.
“After careful consideration, the IIHF Council has decided that, due to concerns over the safety and security of all participants in the Championships, Israel will not participate in IIHF Competitions…,” it added.
The Israeli men’s team was due to play a Division II-A world championship tournament in Serbia in April. The Israel women’s team was scheduled for a Division III-B world championship event in Estonia in March.
Israel’s latest war on Gaza which started on October 7 following Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Hamas-led resistance movement against the Israeli occupation has killed more than 23,000 people with 70 percent being children and women.
As per the statistics given by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), in a brief period from October 7 to December 6, Israel has killed 85 Palestinian athletes, including 55 football players and 30 others engaged in various sports disciplines.
In a historic development earlier today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague opened its inaugural session on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. The move by South Africa has garnered widespread support from many nations across the world.
Protesting against the brutality of Israel in Gaza many countries including Chile, Colombia, Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey and South Africa have pulled their ambassadors from Israel and ended their diplomatic ties with the regime.
In recent months anger against Israel has been growing with people all around the world rallying in support of Gaza, condemning the Israeli attacks on the besieged territory.
In the year 2023 the UN passed 14 resolutions against Israel condemning its killing campaign unleashed in Gaza.
