Gaza: The International Federation of Muay Thai has imposed sanctions on the Israeli Muay Thai Federation following the killing of 13-year-old Palestinian national team athlete Ammar Hamayel, who was shot dead by Israeli forces on June 23 in the village of Kafr Malek, east of Ramallah.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, under the sanctions, the Israeli flag and national anthem will be banned at all events organized by the International Federation. Israeli athletes will only be allowed to compete as neutral individuals, and Israel will be prohibited from hosting or receiving support for any official Muay Thai events.
The decision was announced by IFMA President Sakchye Tapsuwan, who stated: "We cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost. Silence is no longer an option." He emphasized that this sanction is a peaceful but firm protest against actions that endanger children and violate the core values of the global sporting community. Tapsuwan described the situation as not just a tragedy, but a call to action, asserting that innocents should not pay the price of conflict.
The Palestinian Olympic Committee welcomed the decision, characterizing it as a significant step and a symbol of hope for justice. The Committee urged other national federations to advocate for similar measures within international sports bodies to hold Israel accountable for its actions against Palestinian sports and athletes.
Additionally, the Committee called on global sports organizations to take decisive steps to ensure the protection of Palestinian athletes and to enforce accountability for crimes committed against them. The Palestinian sports community has suffered the loss of hundreds of athletes since the onset of Israel's assaults on Gaza, with numerous sports facilities being destroyed, which contravenes international sporting and humanitarian norms.
