World Cup fans refuse to engage with Israeli reporters

Israeli journalists in Qatar for the World Cup continue to find themselves with few people to interview as football fans from across the world keep walking away from interviews, seemingly boycotting in solidarity with Palestinians. The fans’ persistent refusal to engage with Israeli media has led to Israeli authorities issuing fresh safety warnings to nationals travelling to Qatar for the football tournament, citing a “hostile atmosphere“ at the host nation. But here’s the thing: there have been no reported incidents of violence or mistreatment against the 30,000 Israeli fans present in the Gulf state. And none of the Israeli TV reactions seen so far have expressed violence or aggression towards Israeli media staff – merely a refusal to engage in their coverage, or a lecture in why they are not welcome. It comes amid widespread messages of solidarity with Palestinians, often through chants or flag—waving, which have been more prominent in the 2022 World Cup than in previous in