Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh has phoned Algerian judoka, Fethi Nourine, after having pulled out from Tokyo Olympics over possible matchup with an Israeli occupation competitor. 

The International Judo Federation later suspended the Algerian judoka for ten years. 

The Hamas chief hailed Nourine’s decision to withdraw from the game, describing it as an “honourable position that reflects the spirit of the Algerian people”.

“In light of the wave of normalisation, this heroic position by the Algerian player, Nourine, comes to reflect the sense of loyalty,” Haniyeh said.

The Hamas chief noted that the Palestinian people and the free people of the world are proud of such a stance that is in line with Algeria’s supportive positions towards the Palestinian cause. 

Nourine, in turn, thanked Haniyeh for the phone call, confirming that his decision was a “duty towards Palestine that is our cause ”. 

He continued: "We are with and for Palestine and it is part of our belief and and the heritage of our forefathers."