As the Paris 2024 Olympics are set to begin on July 26, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared France ‘ready’ to host the Games, emphasizing the country’s preparedness during a visit to the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis. The Games will feature an unprecedented opening ceremony along the Seine River, with 90 boats carrying 206 Olympic delegations along a 6-kilometer route.Security has emerged as a primary concern, with France deploying its largest security operation since World War II. This includes 45,000 police officers and 18,000 soldiers, along with advanced technology such as drones and AI surveillance. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that Israeli athletes will receive 24-hour protection during the Games, highlighting the heightened tensions surrounding the event.The participation of the Israeli delegation has sparked controversy, with some French politicians opposing their presence due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné has emphatically welcomed the Israeli athletes, stating, ‘We want to say to the Israeli delegation that they are welcome in France’.Despite these challenges, the mood remains optimistic. Macron has called for an ‘Olympic and political truce’ during the Games, emphasizing their potential to bring people together. The Olympic Village, built using innovative and sustainable construction techniques, is ready to host over 14,000 athletes and officials.As final preparations conclude, athletes from around the world, including the 88-member Israeli delegation, are arriving in Paris. With 8.7 million tickets already sold, the Paris 2024 Olympics are poised to be a monumental event, balancing spectacle with stringent security measures and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
Key points
- French President Macron declares France ‘ready’ for the Olympics, emphasizing preparedness and calling for a truce.
- Unprecedented security measures are being implemented, including 24-hour protection for Israeli athletes.
- The opening ceremony will feature a boat parade along the Seine River, a first in Olympic history.
- Controversy surrounds the Israeli delegation’s participation, but French officials have welcomed them.
Contradictions👾While some French politicians have opposed the presence of Israeli athletes due to the Gaza conflict, official government stance, as expressed by Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, warmly welcomes the Israeli delegation.
