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Palestinian Athletes Embody Resistance Amidst Gaza ConflictAs the Paris Olympics approach, eight Palestinian athletes will carry the weight of their nation's struggle on their shoulders. Their participation symbolizes the resilience and determination of a people facing adversity.The athletes' journey to Paris has been marked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since October 2022, Hamas attacks on Israel have escalated tensions, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians. The conflict has also devastated Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, making it difficult for athletes to train and receive proper medical care.Despite these challenges, the Palestinian athletes have persevered. They have trained tirelessly, determined to represent their country with honor. Their participation in the Olympics is not only a sporting event but also a political statement."You are not just athletes, you are also ... symbols of Palestinian resistance," said Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Palestinian authority minister of state for foreign affairs.The athletes' presence in Paris will serve as a reminder of the ongoing suffering in Gaza. They will use their platform to highlight the human toll of the conflict and advocate for peace."Through this participation, we want to present the suffering of the Palestinian people and the unprecedented killing taking place in Gaza," said Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Olympic committee.The athletes' journey to Paris has been fraught with obstacles. Majed Abu Marahil, a long-distance runner who competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, died in June due to kidney failure. Gaza's hospitals, overwhelmed by the conflict, were unable to provide him with adequate treatment.Despite these setbacks, the Palestinian athletes remain undeterred. They are determined to compete with pride and represent their country with dignity."Getting athletes to Paris is already a victory," said Rajoub.The eight athletes will compete in various disciplines, including athletics, swimming, archery, taekwondo, judo, and boxing. One athlete qualified through regular channels, while the others received special invitations.Among them is Valerie Tarazi, a 24-year-old swimmer with US and Palestinian nationality. Tarazi has won titles at the Arab Games and is determined to use her platform to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza."My heart aches for them," she said of the Gaza people. "Being in Paris on behalf of Palestine is a very important thing."The Palestinian athletes' participation in the Paris Olympics is a testament to their resilience and determination. They will carry the hopes and dreams of their nation on their shoulders, inspiring the world with their courage and unwavering spirit.