The Executive Committee of the European Gymnastics decided Monday to cancel the European gymnastics championships in Israel, scheduled for 2025 at Expo Tel Aviv.
The decision comes amid security uncertainties due to the Gaza war, and concerns from the Europeans about holding the competition in Israel. It adds to another decision made on the same day, the cancellation of the Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup scheduled for Jerusalem's Arena.
In response to the dramatic decision, the Israeli Gymnastics Federation said in a statement: "This is the third cancellation notice we have been forced to issue for prestigious international events scheduled to take place in Israel. Starting with the World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships, the Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup, and now the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
"We understand the considerations that led to this decision, but our hearts are heavy. We have worked hard in recent years to bring Israel to the forefront of the diplomatic stage and to bring significant international events to Israel, and the feeling is tough. Nevertheless, we will not relent and will continue to work to bring competition to Israel, hoping that the security situation will allow it."