Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 12:20 pm
Thousands of Police at High-Risk Games
About 1,000 French police officers will be deployed to secure a sports event pitting Israel against Mali in Paris this week’s Olympic games. The match has been classified as “high risk” by French security. The game will take place at Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, France, belonging to Mali. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said, “[The] match will be subject to an anti-terror prevention perimeter.”.
Security Arrangements for Israeli Athletes
Aside from the match security, all Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Games, which begin on Friday, will be given personal security by elite French police around the clock within the Olympic village and once athletes leave the northern Paris compound.
Anticipated Protests and Disturbances
French police sources are already expecting protests and disturbances outside the stadium next Wednesday. There are fears protesters could insult their opponents from the stands or wave flags during national anthems. Europalestine, a French pro-Palestinian activist group, indicated it would carry out a peaceful protest inside the stadium against what they termed as “genocide” in Gaza.
International Reactions and Controversies
The Palestine Olympic Committee had wanted Israel banned because it bombarded the Gaza Strip, which it said violated the Olympic Truce.
Match Getting Underway and Ongoing Security Measures
A soccer match between Israel and Mali is to start at 9:00 pm local time, kicking off the competition. Police will be ready for the anticipated demonstrations so that the match will not be interrupted, with participants and spectators themselves being at risk of injury.
Ongoing Security and Diplomatic Responses
The intricate issues of security and diplomacy with the Paris Olympics are still faced by French authorities and international bodies as they prioritize security in the light of the existing political tensions.