In the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, a controversy has erupted over comments made by Thomas Portes, a member of the French leftist party La France Insoumise (LFI).

During a pro-Palestinian rally, Portes stated that Israeli athletes should not be welcome at the Games, prompting widespread backlash.

Manuel Bompard, LFI's national coordinator, defended Portes, labeling the criticism as a "campaign of hate" and suggesting that Israeli athletes could compete under a neutral banner.

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné affirmed that the Israeli delegation is welcome and will be protected during the Olympics.

The situation has raised concerns about the safety of Israeli athletes, reminiscent of the tragic events at the 1972 Munich Olympics, with heightened security measures now in place.

As tensions rise, the debate continues over the intersection of sports and international politics.