Deputy Sports minister condemns participation of Israel in Paris Olympics

She believes the country should be excluded from the games as its participation undermines the principles of the Olympics, which includes universality, solidarity, and unity in diversity.

The grand opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics took place on Friday.

Pro-Palestine activists around the world have been calling for Israel to be banned from the Olympics, accusing the games’ bosses of double standards by allowing Israel to participate while barring Russia.

Both Russia and Palestine are accused of genocide for the killing of thousands of people.

Mabe said Israel’s participation should be viewed as grossly inhuman.

"We view this participation as grossly inhuman, and indicative of scant regard for thousands of Palestinian lives lost as a result of continued genocide by Israel against women, children, men, the elderly and the sick.

The people of Palestine continue to face the barrage of attacks and dehumanisation despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings on provisional measures in the case taken by South Africa against Israel under the Genocide Convention to cease its military attacks and allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza” said Mabe.

ALSO READ 'We did it!': France breathes sigh of relief after Olympics ceremony