Tehran: Athletes representing Israel have been barred from participating in international competitions organized by the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) for a period of two years. This decision was announced by the Bowling, Billiard, and Boules Federation of Iran. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the prohibition will apply to Israeli competitors in Heyball, snooker, and billiard events conducted by the IBSF. The decision was finalized during the IBSF's annual assembly, with Iran's Hashem Eskanadari, the deputy head of the IBSF, playing a pivotal role in the consultations that led to this outcome. The ban is a response to the ongoing conflict and violence in the Gaza Strip, attributed to the Israeli government's actions against Palestinians. The confrontation began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas, a Palestinian resistance movement, launched a surprise operation into Israeli-occupied territories as a counteraction to long-standing hostilities. The ensuing conflict has resulted in a devastating death toll exceeding 43,000, highlighting the severe impact of the continued violence.