Mauritania

The refusal is the latest in a long-standing trend by many nations to have competitors withdraw from competitions in order to avoid facing Israelis.

Mauritania had previously established relations with Israel in 1992, which continued until March 2010, when the country cut ties after Operation Cast Lead.

This new prestigious status of couscous reflects the cultural cooperation and deep connection between the four countries that share its heritage: Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.