Britain's wheelchair basketball team is facing widespread condemnation after turning away from the podium during the Israeli national anthem at the Wheelchair Basketball Nations Cup in Cologne. The gesture, seen as a protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, has been described as 'hugely offensive' and 'an attack on the dignity' of Israeli athletes. The Campaign Against Antisemitism and the Israeli Paralympic Committee have both demanded a formal apology, with calls for sanctions if similar incidents occur in the future.

Israeli players expressed feeling humiliated by the act, which they say brought unrelated political issues onto the court. Some British athletes reportedly explained their actions as a protest for world peace, but the Israeli team rejected any attempts at reconciliation. The incident has sparked debate about the role of political gestures in sports, with officials and campaigners urging the British team to apologise and uphold the values of the Paralympic spirit.

In response, British Wheelchair Basketball stated it is conducting internal discussions with relevant sporting bodies. The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza and international calls for increased humanitarian aid.