The Israeli Tennis Association (ITA) has accused Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur of supporting a terrorist organization following remarks she made on social media about the Middle East crises.
Just over a week ago, Hamas launched an attack on Israel where hundreds of militants crossed the border from Gaza and killed scores of people. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by some countries, including the UK, but their political wing runs the de facto government of Palestine in Gaza. In the wake of the incident, Israel is retaliating with numerous airstrikes and it is expected that a ground invasion will happen soon. It is estimated that more than 3,500 people have been killed in the conflict with at least 2,215 of that tally being those living in Gaza, according to a Forbes news report citing CBS data. There have also been more than 10,000 casualties.
Jabeur, who is from Tunisia, reacted to the conflict earlier this week on social media in which she condemned the violence coming from both sides. In an Instagram story, she spoke about the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
“What Palestinians have been going through during the last 75 years is indescribable,” she wrote.
“What innocent civilians are going through is indescribable; no matter what their religion is, or what their origin is. Violence will never bring peace; I cannot stand with violence but I also cannot stand with people having their lands taken.”
Jabeur later added that for peace to be achieved in the region, history must be taken into account.
“So understanding context is important, looking at what’s happening today and deciding to ignore recent history is irresponsible and won’t bring peace.” She continued.
“And peace is all we care about. Peace is what everyone needs and deserves. Stop the violence and #FreePalestine.”
It is not the first time the world No.7 has spoken publically about Palestine. In the past, she also received death threats for playing in a Billie Jean King Cup tie against Israel which the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in 2020 was contrary to ‘the official position of the state.’
Jabeur’s latest comments have been met with fierce criticism from Avi Peretz, who is the chairperson of the ITA. In a statement published on the Federation’s Facebook account, Peretz said a formal complaint has been lodged to the WTA via the ITF.
“This tennis player incites and supports a murderous terrorist organization. We’re glad she’s in the minority compared to the sane athletes in the rest of the world,” he said.
“We strengthen the security and rescue forces (Isreli army), trust them to do the job and pray they return safely.’
“Because the player belongs to the WTA, they are the body responsible for handling the case. The association and the ITF are now waiting to see what measures they will take against her.”
Even though the complaint was sent via the ITF, there is no evidence to suggest that the tennis governing body was either in support or against such a complaint. Instead, they were used as a sort of intermediary between the ITA and WTA.
Jabeur has not publicly commented on the reaction from the ITA.
NOTE: Peretz’s statement was published in Hebrew and then translated via Google.
