Taghribnews (TNA) - Arab Analyst Warns of Escalating Tensions Ahead of France-Israel Football Match

In anticipation of Thursday's football match between France and Israel in Paris, prominent Arab analyst Abdel Bari Atwan has issued a strong warning, suggesting that the situation could quickly spiral out of control.

Atwan argued that Israeli players and their supporters are largely tied to the military, with many being reservists in the Israeli army, rather than ordinary sports fans.

Atwan criticized France’s Interior Minister for refusing to cancel the match, claiming that tensions among Arabs and Muslims are at a breaking point due to Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon. He asserted that many Israeli players and fans are army reservists who may have been involved in violent actions, stating, “Labeling them as mere athletes is misleading.”
He also condemned Western governments for supporting Israeli fans, alleging that Israeli supporters instigated recent violence in Amsterdam by tearing Palestinian flags and chanting racist slogans. He argued that Israeli fans should be barred from all sporting events, labeling them as “war criminals” representing a regime responsible for war in Gaza and Lebanon.
Further criticizing Western double standards, Atwan questioned why Russian teams are excluded from international sports while Israelis, accused of human rights violations, are permitted. He remarked, "Russian forces do not target civilians or leave bodies in the streets to be consumed by dogs.” He argued that Israelis should be barred from international competitions, and their supporters should not be allowed to attend, saying they should not be above international, ethical, or humanitarian laws.
Atwan also addressed France’s support for Israel, challenging President Emmanuel Macron directly by asking, “Mr. Macron, does Israel’s right to self-defense include killing and burning children and their mothers?”
The game is set to be played at the Stade de France on Thursday as part of the UEFA Nations League. Meanwhile, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez has banned Palestinian flags from the stadium, stating that only French and Israeli flags will be permitted and that all political messaging is prohibited in the venue.
Over 4,000 officers are deployed throughout Paris to prevent any recurrence of security issues similar to recent disturbances in Amsterdam, where Israeli fans reportedly tore Palestinian flags following a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, prompting backlash from Dutch citizens and Muslim youth.