Politics
Gaza photographer dropped as French festival bows to Israel lobby
The Deauville Sports Images Festival has removed the work of a Palestinian photographer from Gaza; succumbing to pressure from the Israel lobby. The silencing of the people of Gaza continues unabated, it seems.
The truth must “offend”
The image they removed captures a football match in Gaza against the backdrop of the city’s apocalyptic cratered urban environment. Crumpled buildings and a haze of dust and smoke set the scene, contrasted against an astroturfed green football pitch. The photo was replaced by one showing European cycling.
The organisers hid behind the excuse of wanting to avoid “controversy or offend[ing] anyone”. They wouldn’t name those behind the pressure campaign.
Killing off Gaza
The image showed a February 2026 match between Gaza Sports Club and Egyptian team Al-Ahly. Israel has murdered around a thousand Palestinian sportspeople during the genocide since October 2023, including almost 600 footballers.
What is offensive is not showing the image and the reality behind it, particularly in a festival that boasts it offers different perspectives on sport.
Featured image via Jehad Alshrafi
By Skwawkbox
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