The Libyan fencing team withdrew on Sunday from the Fencing World Championships currently taking place in Dubai.

The national team was to face Israeli according to the official draw. However, the athletes and staff decided to pull out of the games rather than face the Israeli opponent.

Many athletes from the Arab countries had refused to compete against Israelis in international competitions in support of the Palestinian cause.

Several Arab competitors decided to do so, despite their government's decision to normalize relations with the occupying state.

It is noteworthy that Libya's fencing team is ranked second in Africa and 19 globally in the classification of the game.

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