JERUSALEM, August 2, 2025 (WAFA) – The International Federation of Muay Thai has imposed sanctions on the Israeli Muay Thai Federation following the killing of 13-year-old Palestinian national team athlete Ammar Hamayel, who was shot dead by Israeli forces on June 23 in the village of Kafr Malek, east of Ramallah.

Under the sanctions, the Israeli flag and national anthem will be banned at all events organized by the International Federation. Israeli athletes will only be allowed to compete as neutral individuals, and Israel will be prohibited from hosting or receiving support for any official Muay Thai events.

The decision was announced by IFMA President Sakchye Tapsuwan, who stated: “We cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost. Silence is no longer an option.”

He added: “This is a peaceful but firm protest against actions that put children at risk and violate the core values of the global sporting community. This is not just a tragedy — it is a call to action. We cannot stand by while innocents pay the price of conflict.”

The Palestinian Olympic Committee welcomed the decision, calling it a significant step and a symbol of hope for justice. The Committee urged other national federations to push for similar actions within international sports bodies to hold Israel accountable for its violations against Palestinian sports and athletes.

It also called on global sports organizations to take firm steps to ensure the protection of Palestinian athletes and to enforce accountability for crimes committed against them.

The Palestinian sports community has lost hundreds of athletes since the start of Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza. Dozens of sports facilities have also been destroyed, in clear violation of international sporting and humanitarian norms.

M.N