London: A coalition of professional athletes has called for UEFA to suspend Israel from all competitions. A statement with 48 signatures, including those of France midfielder Paul Pogba and cricketer Moeen Ali, under the banner Athletes 4 Peace demands the suspension of Israel over the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.

According to Ghana News Agency, the statement emphasizes the role of sport in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and humanity. It states, “Sport cannot stand silent while athletes and civilians including children are indiscriminately killed en masse in Gaza.” The athletes argue that international sport has a precedent for taking action to protect its integrity and uphold its values when a nation’s actions grossly violate human rights and international law.

The statement further highlights that this situation presents another test of collective conscience, insisting that silence and inaction are not acceptable. The signatories of Athletes 4 Peace urge UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from all competitions until it complies with international law and ceases the killing of civilians and widespread starvation.

The statement also references the death of Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the Palestinian Pele, who was reportedly killed by Israeli forces while civilians were waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, as per the Palestine Football Association.

Athletes 4 Peace is coordinated by Nujum Sports, the official representative body for Muslim athletes in the UK. The organization mentioned that they have been approached by sportspeople “of all faiths and none” to help amplify their message to a broader audience.