The organisation is close to finalising a decision to invite Palestinian athletes to Paris 2024 "even if they don't qualify on the field", IOC president Thomas Bach told AFP in a recent interview in Lausanne, the IOC's headquarters.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, his support for the Palestinians has been evident. "The athletes have been supported in many different ways to enable them to take part in the qualifiers and to continue their training," Bach added.

It is estimated that between six and eight athletes could be invited to Paris 2024. This is currently under review and the IOC is considering whether it can implement this measure. "Palestine would benefit from the invitations, just like other National Olympic Committees that do not have a qualified athlete," he added.

It's obvious that in this situation there are doubts as to whether a different approach is being used than the one that has been maintained between Russia and Ukraine for more than a year now. Bach denied that, saying: "the IOC treated Russia differently for its invasion of Ukraine than it did Israel and its conflict in Gaza."

Following the conflict, Russia was immediately suspended from many international sports. Its athletes were banned from competing under the national flag in Paris in 2024. They must also have never publicly supported the war against Ukraine and must not be employed by the military or security services in order to take part in the Paris Games.

The IOC's view is that the sanctions against Russia were a result of Moscow's violation of the 'Olympic truce' with its invasion of Ukraine shortly after the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the annexation of Ukrainian sports organisations. This was the IOC's argument for the exclusion of Russia and its athletes from the Olympic Games.

"The situation between Israel and Palestine is completely different," Bach continued, insisting  he had been "impartial in his public statements on Ukraine". Regarding the events in he then reiterated that the IOC's position was clear. "As with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have always been very clear."

Meanwhile, some groups continue to protest. They want the IOC to take a stand on the issue. In March, a group in support of Palestinian rights demanded the exclusion of Israeli athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics at IOC headquarters. They followed up with a letter to the IOC the next day. Some insist that by allowing Israel to participate and compete without any hindrance or restriction, the IOC is not acting correctly.