Palestinian athletes will be invited to compete in the Paris Olympics this summer even if they fail to qualify.

Thomas Bach, head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said he expected six to eight Palestinians to compete. Qualification events for the Games, which start on July 26, are ongoing. 

“We have made the clear commitment that even if no (Palestinian) athlete would qualify on the field of play ... then the National Olympic Committee of Palestine would benefit from invitations, like other national Olympic Committees who do not have a qualified athlete,” said Mr Bach.

Palestinian athletes have taken part in the Olympics since 1996, but the war in Gaza has led to the loss of life and infrastructure in sport. Olympic football coach Hani Al-Masdar and volleyball star Ibrahim Qusaya were both killed by airstrikes.