Indonesia will not issue visas to Israeli athletes for the upcoming world artistic gymnastics championships in Jakarta, a minister said Thursday, citing the nation`s support for Palestinians.

The event, scheduled for October 19-25 in the world`s most populous Muslim-majority nation, is expected to feature more than 500 athletes from 79 countries. Israeli athletes were reportedly among those set to compete, but coordinating minister for legal affairs and human rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government would not allow them entry.