Lausanne - Saba:
The International Muay Thai Federation imposed sanctions on the Israeli Muay Thai Federation following the deliberate killing of 13-year-old Palestinian national team player Ammar Hamayel last June.
According to the Sanad News Agency, Hamayel was killed by Israeli enemy fire in the village of Kafr Malik, east of the northern city of Ramallah in the West Bank. According to the International Federation, Israeli athletes will participate in international tournaments as neutral individuals. The sanction also includes a ban on hosting or supporting any sporting event in Israel.
The decision was made by International Federation President Sakchai Tapsuwan, who said: "We cannot remain silent while innocent people pay the price. Silence is no longer an option."
He added: "This is a peaceful but determined protest against actions that endanger children and violate the fundamental values of the global sporting community."
He continued: "This is not just a tragedy; it is a call to action. We cannot stand idly by while innocent people pay the price of conflict."
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