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Israel-Hamas War Leads Paris Police to Tackle Another Major Challenge for Olympics 2024

Published 12/05/2023, 10:06 PM EST

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Paris Police are presently preparing for a major extravaganza in the form of the 2024 Summer Olympics. While it is one of the most fabulous displays of global brotherhood, the other part of the world is witnessing humanity being ripped apart. Hamas is at war against Israel which is shaking the world. Under these circumstances, apprehensions of attack on an event as large as the Olympics have increased significantly. With the ceremonies expected to draw a lot of foot traffic, the police force is intent on avoiding any incidents like what happened way back in the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

There have been an increased number of threats in tourist spots such as the Louvre Museum and Versailles. On December 2 a man attacked tourists, killing one and injuring two others near the Eiffel Tower. This has further worried the Police force of the city. A fail-safe security arrangement has been labeled a considerable challenge for local police by Christophe Perron, director of the Central Police Laboratory.

France on high alert since October 7

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Following the devastating attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, France has been on high alert. Ensuring the security of those who will be in the French capital between July 26 and August 11 next year is uppermost in the organizers’ minds. The Quai De Grenelle, near the Eiffel Tower, is one location chosen for the opening ceremonies. Despite the recent attack there, organizers are considering any change in the venue, as per reports.

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In the past, lax security measures have led to blood being spilled during an Olympic-level event. That happened during the 1972 Munich Olympics. Black September, an offshoot of the Palestine Liberation Organization, took 11 Israeli athletes hostage. Not one hostage survived that crisis after a poorly planned and executed rescue operation at Fürstenfeldbruck airfield near the host city.

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An incident-free Olympics in Paris hoped for

The Munich Olympics attack led to further bloodshed via the Israeli revenge Operation Wrath of God. That has been immortalized in the 2005 Steven Spielberg film Munich, starring Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush, and Ciaran Hinds. Golda Meir, then Israeli Prime Minister, wanted those involved in the organization of the attack targeted. It led to an international incident after Mossad agents targeted the wrong person in Lillehammer, Norway.

Read More – Advocating for Unity Amidst Israel-Hamas War, Dave Portnoy Stands With Concerned Millions

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With the Olympics mere months away, officials in Paris will hope they can deliver on the promise of an incident-free spectacle. While a sizeable challenge, no changes in the chosen venues have been reported as of now. In light of that decision, the police have no choice but to expect the best while preparing for the worst. Hopefully, the worst will not come to be.

Watch This Story – Witness: Moments When Russian Athletes are Banned by the IOC for Breaching the Rules as Paris Prepares for Another One in 2024

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Written by:

Anirudh Haridas

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I am Anirudh Haridas and I am a US Sports Writer at EssentiallySports. As a stalwart ice hockey fan, I delved into the US Sports arena, driven by the phenomenal pace of the sport. From creating insights on various Olympic avenues like surfing and swimming to covering stories around equestrian and rodeo sports, I bring versatility to my writing.
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Edited by:

BHUJAYA RAY CHOWDHURY