The Ukraine-Russia conflict has affected the sporting world adversely. In a disproportionate measure, Russian athletes have been barred from many elite competitions. While the athletic community is still reeling from this political turmoil, another disaster has struck the community this week. The Gaza-Israel conflict began on October 7 and has escalated quickly. The Israeli Government did not have time to respond, which meant that a major gymnastics event fell victim to the conflict.

The training camp for the 2023 Pan-American Games took place in Israel. Unbeknown to the gymnastics community, tensions between Israel and Hamas, an insurgent group, had been rising for months. Now, a six-member Mexican National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team is caught up in this volatile situation and has made a heartfelt plea for rescue.

Mexican Gymnastics Team appeals for rescue

On Monday, the team made a desperate appeal to the Mexican Government for rescue through an Instagram video. Coach Blajaith Aguilar also traveled to Israel along with the athletes. She informed the world that they were safe for now. As reported on NBC 4, she said, “Tensions and concerns have taken over our environment, and given the seriousness of this situation, flights have been canceled, leaving us without the immediate possibility of returning to our Mexico…Given this panorama, we call and strongly request support from our Government so that we can safe and healthy as soon as possible to our homes”.?

In the video, all six girls had terror in their eyes while they took shelter in the training camp venue. Their video has received widespread attention from Mexican citizens who are praying for their safe return. The Mexican Secretariat of National Defense(SEDENA), Comisi?n Nacional de Cultura F?sica y Deporte (Conade), and the Mexican Gymnastics Federation (FMG) have stayed in contact with Aguilar and the team. Now, the Mexican Government has taken a huge step towards their evacuation.

Mexican Government takes steps for evacuation from Israel

Mexican President Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador has already ordered two planes to bring all the Mexican expatriates and gymnasts back from the war-torn Middle Eastern nation. More than 300 citizens are awaiting rescue in Israel. The President wants to have them back on safe Mexican soil as soon as possible. Furthermore, there are many other citizens in Israel from Latin American countries. Mexico will help its fellow neighbors like Brazil and Argentina to work out a successful evacuation plan.

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Brazil’s planes will reach Israel from Rome and Brasilia to escape the constant air bombings along the Gaza Strip and Tel Aviv. Recently, Hamas even targeted Ben Gurion airport, which is located just outside Tel Aviv. The rescue attempt will be extremely challenging, but there is still hope. We await the good news of these athlete’s safe arrival in Mexico and will look forward to further updates.

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