Israel bans Gaza's Olympic runner from travelling to the West Bank

The Israeli High Court is expected to issue its decision, later today, on whether or not Palestinian Olympic runner Nader Al-Masri should be allowed to travel from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank to participate in a marathon.

Al-Masri was banned from travelling by the Israeli army who cited “political considerations”.

The human rights organisation Gish, which works to allow freedom of movement to the Palestinians, petitioned the Israeli High Court demanding the Israeli army allow Al-Masri to move freely from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank. However, the prosecutor refused citing “political considerations and foreign relations” noting that Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon stands behind the decision.

Al-Marsi, 34, participated in several international competitions including the 2008 Olympics, but Israel has refused, for the second year in a row, to allow him to participate in the marathon which takes place in Bethlehem.