Why is Malaysia barring Israeli athletes from the swimming championships?

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Malaysia's Ban on Israeli Athletes for World Para Swimming Championships Explained

Malaysia is barring Israeli athletes from the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships due to its long-standing policy of prohibiting individuals holding Israeli passports from entering the country. This decision was publicly supported by a coalition of 29 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), who view such actions as a necessary expression of moral outrage and a means to isolate Israel. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad affirmed the government's stance, stating that allowing participation would contravene the existing ban.
Long-Standing National Policy

The Malaysian government's decision aligns with its established policy of refusing entry to individuals with Israeli passports. This national stance has been consistently upheld, and the coalition of NGOs has advocated for its maintenance without exception. The government's confirmation of this policy underscores its commitment to this entry restriction for Israeli nationals.
NGO Support for Boycott and Isolation

A significant bloc of 29 non-governmental organisations has publicly endorsed the government's decision. These groups, including prominent organisations like the Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia and Viva Palestina Malaysia, articulated that boycotting and isolating Israel is a fundamental way to express moral opposition. They drew a historical parallel to the effectiveness of such measures against apartheid South Africa, suggesting a similar impact against what they term "apartheid Israel."
Reference to Gaza Incidents

The supporting NGOs also cited events during the Great Return March in Gaza as justification for their stance. They claimed that the Israeli regime targeted unarmed civilians, including children, journalists, and medical personnel, leading to substantial casualties. The NGOs highlighted specific figures, stating that 241 civilians, including 42 children, five women, three paramedics, and two journalists, were killed, with an additional 26,140 injured, predominantly by Israeli sharpshooters, during these marches.
Prime Minister's Confirmation of the Ban

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially confirmed the government's prohibition of Israeli athletes from the championships. He stated that the government maintained its position and that any insistence on participation by the Israeli squad would constitute a violation of this established ban. The championships were scheduled to take place in Kuching from July 29 to August 4.

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Why is Malaysia barring Israeli athletes from the swimming championships?

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