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The French capital, Paris is set to attract millions as the city is set to host the Summer Games from July 26 till August 11. However, this might be the first Olympic Games which will see the return of spectators after the 2020 edition, which was pushed to 2021 in Tokyo due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
While health will be one of the key concerns for the organising committee at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Games have been overcast by the shadow of threats too. Ahead of the Games, the quadrennial sporting event has been marred with terrorist threats.
In a video going viral on social media, a masked individual is seen issuing a dire warning that “rivers of blood will flow” at the upcoming Games, which will also see the participation of Israel. In a minute-long clip, which was released on Tuesday, July 23, an Arabic speaking man addressed “the people of France and President Emmanuel Macron”, “threatening retribution for their support to the Zionist regime in its criminal war against Palestine people.”
“You provided Zionists with weapons, you helped murder our brothers and sisters, our children… You invited the Zionists to the Olympic Games. You will pay for what you have done,” the man could be heard saying as translated via the subtitles.
Watch the shocking video of man claiming threat during the Paris 2024 Olympics
This video might have come as a massive shock with millions of athletes from all over the world taking the centre stage in Paris, Microsoft researchers have however identified the man claiming to be a Hamas fighter. However, contradictory to that, the Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq has refuted the video’s authenticity, labeling it a “forgery”.
French President “welcome” Israel athletes for Paris 2024
It is to be noted that this video has been circulating after the France President, Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Israel athletes are welcomed to participate in the Olympic Games. “Israeli athletes are welcome in our country. They must be able to compete under their colours because the Olympic movement has decided it,” he told France 2 television in an interview.
Moreover, the French President further added that it is the responsibility of the country to provide them security. “France’s responsibility to provide them with security. I condemn in the strongest possible way all who create risks for these athletes and implicitly threaten them,” he added.
