India, Aug. 21 -- The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) has suspended Israel as a recognised national team and barred its participation in future olympiads owing to the country's ongoing military campaign in Palestine.

A resolution to this effect was passed during the IOAA board meeting in Mumbai on August 18, when a majority of members from the 64 countries participating in this edition of the Olympiad voted in favour of suspending recognition for Israel's national team. The matter was put to vote after the association received a letter signed by 536 members of the international scientific community, including professors and past Olympiad attendees, requesting sanctions over Israel's actions in Palestine.

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