'Stop Gaza War': Palestinian Basketball Federation issues statement condemning targeting of sports facilities & athletes

The Palestinian Basketball Federation has issued a statement strongly condemning the alleged targeting of athletes and basketball players in Gaza.

The Palestinian Basketball Federation has issued a statement on Instagram strongly condemning the alleged targeting of athletes and basketball players in Gaza.

The statement reads as follows:

“We strongly condemn the reprehensible targeting of athletes and #basketball players in Gaza during the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza strip.

We express our strong and unequivocal condemnation of Israel’s deadly war engulfing #Gaza, which has claimed the life of at least 10,500 innocent lives and inflicted immense suffering upon the occupied Palestinian territory. This war has taken thousands of lives and caused immeasurable civilian hardship. Athletes serve as beacons of inspiration, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and the power of human spirit. Israel’s deliberately targeting them is not only morally indefensible but also undermines the very values that sports and athletics stand for.

Among the extensive destruction, we deeply mourn the targeting of sports facilities and stadiums, which serve as places of leisure and enjoyment, and where people gather for recreational activities including the beloved sport of basketball. Such targeting represents an unacceptable escalation of violence and destruction. Targeting athletes and sports facilities is a grave violation of human rights and international principles. We believe in the power of sports to foster communication and understanding among nations, promoting peace and solidarity. The targeting of sports facilities has a profoundly negative impact on the opportunities for young people and communities to engage in sports activities that promote health and the spirit of sportsmanship.

We call for an immediate ceasefire and end to violence and the initiation of a peace process aimed at achieving stability and justice in Gaza. #Peace is the only solution. In solidarity with the athletes of #Gaza, we urge the international basketball community to act swiftly in advocating for an end to this violence and working towards a lasting peace that can allow athletes and their communities to continue in pursuing their sporting dreams, unburdened by the specter of war and conflict.

In response to the Russia and Ukraine war, FIBA imposed multiple sanctions on Russia’s sporting community. We invite you to please consider joining other athletes around the world in condemning Israeli war crimes in Gaza and imposing sanctions on Israeli teams.”

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You can check out the Palestinian Basketball Federation’s post here.