A member of the radical-left France Unbowed party, Thomas Portes, has stirred up a wave of outrage by declaring that Israeli athletes are unwelcome at the Paris Olympics and calling for protests against their participation. Referring to Israel's actions in Gaza, Portes made the controversial statement at a pro-Palestinian gathering in Paris, asserting that the Israeli delegation should not be present at the upcoming Olympics in the city. The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France condemned Portes' comments, labeling them as "indecent" and "irresponsible," while the Israeli embassy chose not to provide a response.

Amid mounting criticism, various political figures and social media users expressed diverging opinions on the matter. Others pointed out the complexities and implications of the situation. In response to the escalating tensions, French interior minister Gérald Darmanin emphasized the need for ensuring the safety of Israeli athletes during the Games, highlighting concerns of potential antisemitism.

Despite the controversy, some LFI lawmakers offered qualified support for Portes, backing his stance given what they described as ongoing violations of international law by Israel. The Palestinian Olympic Committee added to the discourse by urging the exclusion of Israel from the Games, underscoring continuous hostilities in Gaza.

The comments and reactions have sparked a broader debate on inclusion, diplomacy, and the spirit of the Olympic Games. As the anticipation builds for the Paris Olympics 2024, the controversy surrounding the participation of Israeli athletes adds a complex layer to the lead-up to the prestigious international event.