Irish basketball players are in an “awful position” ahead of tomorrow’s match, a pro-Palestinian activist has said. 

Tomorrow, the Irish women's team will take on Israel in a EuroBasket qualifier in Latvia, despite calls for a boycott because of the conflict in Gaza. 

Basketball Ireland has rejected calls for a boycott, pointing out they would be risking a large fine and a possible ban from FIBA Europe. 

The organisation has previously said they are "very concerned" about the situation in Gaza but remain "obliged to fulfil the fixture on February 8th".

Speaking to Lunchtime Live, former player Rebecca O’Keefe said officials are not taking a consistent line on the issue of boycotts. 

“We’re just a bit disappointed by the stance because it ignores an existing precedent,” she said. 

“FIBA has previously removed Russia and Belarus in 2022; Basketball Ireland supported this and they even protested their own fixture against Belarus on that occasion.” 

Palestinians walk past a building destroyed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Gaza City, 3-1-24. Image:Associated Press / Alamy

Ms O’Keefe said a boycott would send a “strong message of solidarity” to Palestine as the IDF continues its efforts to “eliminate Hamas”. 

“The players are in an awful position here,” she said. 

“I really feel for the players; some players have already boycotted the match themselves - massive respect. 

“No disrespect to the players who are there already because it shouldn’t be in their hands at all; decisive action should have been taken by the governing bodies.” 

Long-term consequences

Earlier this morning, Newstalk Breakfast presenter Ciara Kelly said boycotting the game “could mean the end” for Irish women’s basketball for many years to come. 

It is not an argument Ms O’Keefe agrees with. 

“At the first forfeit, which will be tomorrow’s match, the sanction will be a fine of up to €80,000 at a maximum,” she said. 

“So, if that match is boycotted, there is no ban; the ban would come in at the second fixture in November.” 

Blame for the conflict

The Israeli Ambassador to Ireland has denied Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as alleged by South Africa in the ICJ. 

Ambassador Erlic said Hamas is to blame for the deaths in the region, following its attack on October 7th that led to the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis.

Main image: Widespread damage to buildings near the Palestine Tower in Gaza City after bombardment by Isreali forces.