ROME (AP) — Israeli and Palestinian Olympic officials have reaffirmed their desire to build stronger ties and create joint training camps during a “Sports for Peace” meeting in Italy.
Palestinian Olympic Committee president Jibril Rajoub pushed for Israel to allow its athletes and coaches more freedom to travel from the West Bank and Gaza Strip in a meeting Wednesday that was arranged by International Olympic Committee vice president Mario Pescante.
Israeli Olympic Committee secretary general Efraim Zinger responded by calling for an end to instances of some athletes “from an Arab country, etc.” refusing to compete against Israelis, and invited the Palestinians to train together for next year’s London Games.
Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno hosted the discussion and awarded both delegations a prize.
