The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a firm stance against Indonesia following its decision to deny visas to Israeli athletes participating in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. This move, prompted by Indonesia’s objection to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, has led the IOC to sever discussions with Indonesia regarding future Olympic events and recommend that international sports federations avoid hosting events in the country. The IOC emphasized that this ban will persist until Indonesia ensures unrestricted access for all participants, regardless of nationality. Among the affected athletes is Artem Dolgopyat, a two-time Olympic floor medallist and defending world champion, who was unable to compete due to the visa restrictions. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation (IGF) had sought urgent intervention from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) to either guarantee Israeli participation or relocate the event, but their request was denied. The IOC has also summoned Indonesia’s Olympic committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to its headquarters in Lausanne to address the issue. This incident underscores the IOC’s commitment to maintaining sports as a ‘safe space’ free from political interference.