LONODN (Telegraph) - Israeli players have been banned from competing in next month’s World Indoor Bowls Championships amid a campaign by pro-Palestinian groups.
The World Bowls Tour (WBT) said in a statement there had been a “significant escalation in related political concerns” following the involvement of Israeli bowlers at the Scottish International Open in August.
Three Israelis were expected to compete at the World Indoor Championships - which will take place in Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk - but their invitations have been withdrawn.
Daniel Alomin can no longer compete in the singles, while Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi have been pulled out of the pairs.
“This decision was not taken lightly and has been made in the best interests of the event’s success and integrity,” the statement added.
WBT had faced pressure from several pro-Palestinian groups, including Palestine Action and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
The Norfolk Palestine Solidarity Campaign had urged its supporters to sign a petition calling for the players’ invitations to be rescinded.
In its campaign, the group accused Israel of committing apartheid against Palestinians and called for its athletes to be banned under the 1977 Gleneagles Agreement - originally signed to exclude South Africa.
More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed during war, according to figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Israel was initially banned from last year’s Ice Hockey World Championships, but the decision was later reversed.
The Palestine Football Association has called for its Israeli counterpart to be suspended by world governing body FIFA.