Fans with a banner calling for the ban of Israel from football over the country's war on Gaza
The United State government has pledged to “work to fully stop” attempts to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup.
According to BBC, US State department spokesperson made the vowed while reacting to reports of a potential football ban on Israel over its war on Gaza.
Earlier this month, A United Nations commission of inquiry said Israel has committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
UN expersts then advised global sporting authorities to sanctions the country for its actions.
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Sources within UEFA have revealed that the football governing body is making a move to suspend Israel from participating in its football competitions.
Israel, although geographically located in Asia, is a UEFA member. The country plays its World Cup qualication matches against European teams.
However, the US state department said it will push back against such sanctions against Israel.
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“We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup,” a US depatment of state spokesperson said.
The US will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
Israel has been shelling Gaza Strip in its war against Hamas for almost two years. The conflict has claimed the lives of 60,000 Palestinians and left millions starving and displaced.
Attempts to establish a ceasefire has proven futile within the period, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrant for Benjamin Natanyahu, Israeli prime minister, for alleged war crimes.
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Recently, UK, France, Belgium, Luxemborg and a host of other nation has began to recognised the state of Palestine as against the intention of the Israeli state.
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