Controversy Unfolds as Israeli Bowlers Banned from World Indoor Championships

Israeli players have been excluded from the upcoming World Indoor Bowls Championships in England following pressure from pro-Palestinian groups. The decision by the World Bowls Tour faced criticism from Jewish representatives and some political figures as an act of discrimination based on nationality.

The upcoming World Indoor Bowls Championships in England will not feature Israeli players after pro-Palestinian groups influenced a controversial decision to bar their participation. The move has sparked strong reactions from Jewish representatives and some political figures, who condemned it as discriminatory.

The World Bowls Tour announced that Israeli participation in an earlier event led to heightened political tensions, prompting their recent decision. The Board of Deputies of British Jews criticized this exclusion, stating it lacked justification and amounted to discrimination based on nationality.

Although World Bowls, the international federation for the sport, is not affiliated with the World Bowls Tour, they reaffirmed Israel's inclusion in all their events. The decision relates to ongoing tensions following Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which has had significant humanitarian impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)