‘Free Palestine’ – Gaza genocide haunts Winter Olympics as Israel faces growing isolation
The Olympics opened with a protest in Milan against Israel’s participation despite the Gaza genocide, February 2026
The Palestine Chronicle reports on 18 February 2026:
Key Takeaways
- The Gaza genocide repeatedly surfaced throughout the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
- A Swiss commentator referenced an Israeli athlete’s public support for the genocide during a broadcast.
- A worker was removed after chanting “Free Palestine,” igniting backlash.
- Israel competed normally while Palestinian sport remains devastated by genocide.
- Public reactions across events reflected widening international rejection of Israel’s conduct.
Broadcast Sparks Outcry
The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics were intended as a global celebration of sport. Instead, the genocide in Gaza repeatedly entered the Games’ public space, reshaping coverage and reaction far beyond competition itself.
During the bobsleigh event, Swiss Radio Television (RTS) commentator Stefan Reina addressed Israeli pilot Adam Edelman’s political statements as the sled appeared on screen. Reina noted the athlete described himself as “a Zionist to the core” and had posted messages supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
He further stated that the characterization of events as genocide had been used by a United Nations Commission of Inquiry and quoted Edelman’s own description of the campaign as “the most just and moral war in history,” according to footage verified by Al Jazeera.
The remarks spread rapidly online before RTS removed the segment overnight. The broadcaster later confirmed the footage originated from its Olympic coverage, explaining the information was factual but inappropriate for sports commentary due to context and length.