A team of Israeli chess players has withdrawn from the Basque Country Open in Spain after organizers barred Israel’s flag, citing opposition to its military offensive in Gaza.

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The tournament, held in the city of Sestao, is set to open this week for its 40th edition with hundreds of participants from dozens of countries. Seven Israeli players had been registered but pulled out after refusing to compete under the banner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Organizers explained their decision, stating: “We want to raise our voices to reject the crimes committed against the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip and the indiscriminate attacks of the Israeli army.” The Sestao Chess Club echoed this position, calling the flag ban “a sign of rejection of Israel’s systematic violation of human rights” and “an expression of our strongest condemnation of the genocide Israel is carrying out in Gaza.”

The event will proceed with only the flags of Spain’s autonomous communities and the Palestinian flag on display at tournament tables. Organizers had initially considered excluding the Israeli team entirely.

The move comes amid broader calls to exclude Israel from international sports. Demonstrators recently gathered outside the Paris Olympic headquarters demanding a ban on Israeli athletes over the war in Gaza. In France, members of parliament have also urged the International Olympic Committee to bar Israel from the 2024 Games.

According to health authorities in Gaza, Israel’s military campaign since October 7, 2023, has killed 64,756 Palestinians and wounded 164,059 others, the majority women and children.

The dispute in Sestao reflects a growing push by civil society and sports institutions in Europe to hold Israel accountable through international competitions, as the Gaza war continues with devastating civilian tolls.

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