Algerian Judoka Withdraws from Olympics Match Against Israeli Competitor
Algerian judoka Messaoud Redouane Dris has pulled out of his first match at the 2024 Paris Olympics against Israeli judoka Tohar Butbul. The International Judo Federation declared Butbul the winner by walkover after Dris was disqualified for missing weight. This is the second consecutive Olympics in which an Algerian judoka has dropped out ahead of facing Butbul, with Fethi Nourine doing the same in the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Amidst protests against Israel’s participation, the International Olympic Committee and French government have supported their presence. A rights advocacy group called for Israel’s exclusion following an ICJ ruling on their actions in Palestine. Iran has also condemned Israel’s involvement in the Olympics, citing their war in Gaza.
Israeli athletes arrived in Paris amidst international condemnation of the civilian casualties in Gaza. With over 39,000 Palestinians killed and 90,000 injured, controversy surrounds Israel’s participation in the games.