Ramallah, West Bank – The Palestinian Olympic committee says its delegation’s uniforms are being held up by Israeli authorities.
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Munther Masalmeh, the secretary-general of the Palestinian Olympic committee, says clothes and equipment purchased for the team have yet to clear customs. He says the team of six was forced to leave for Rio de Janeiro without them.
The Israel Tax Authority, which oversees customs, says it has heard nothing of the matter but would be happy to assist if approached by the Palestinians.
Israel and the Palestinians have clashed before over sporting issues. The Palestinians previously called on FIFA to expel Israel from tournaments over restrictions it has placed on its players’ movements. Israel says some Palestinian athletes have militant ties and the restrictions are purely security measures.
The discus throwers are missing their grenades.
The other throwers are missing their RPGs.
The skeet shooters are missing their semi-automatics
The weight lifters are missing their explosive vests and belts.
And everyone’s missing their knives.