Palestinian football devastated under Israeli occupation policies
Players face killings, arrests, destroyed facilities and movement restrictions as football battles to survive across Palestinian territories
RAMALLAH, Palestine (MNTV) — Palestinian football continues to face severe challenges as Israeli military operations, settler violence and movement restrictions disrupt sporting life across the occupied Palestinian territories, threatening the future of the game despite renewed efforts to revive domestic competitions.
While the recent FIFA World Cup drew international attention to Palestine through displays of solidarity from supporters worldwide, Palestinian football authorities say conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) says hundreds of footballers, coaches, referees and sports officials have been killed since October 2023 during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while numerous stadiums and sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed.
In the occupied West Bank, league football has remained largely suspended for nearly three years as Israeli military raids, checkpoints, arrests and travel restrictions continue to disrupt training sessions, competitions and player movement.
The PFA says several footballers have been detained by Israeli authorities in recent months, including women’s national team players Rand Halawani and Natalie Abu Diya.
Palestinian officials and rights organizations have raised concerns over the treatment of detained athletes and other prisoners in Israeli custody. Israeli authorities have defended their security operations as necessary to address security threats.
Football venues have also been affected by the wider conflict. Majed Asad Stadium in Al-Bireh, located near Israeli settlements, has witnessed repeated security incidents in surrounding areas, while Palestinian sports officials say youth players continue training despite fears of violence and instability.
The association also reported the death of youth international Fadi Al-Naasan, who succumbed to injuries after being shot during an incident linked to settler violence in the occupied West Bank earlier this month.
The reported death brought the number of football-related fatalities cited by the PFA since October 2023 to 568.
Palestinian international Mohammed Rashid has described the destruction of sporting life as “sporticide,” arguing that attacks on players and sports infrastructure are eroding Palestine’s ability to compete internationally and preserve its sporting identity.
Palestinian officials have also criticized FIFA for declining to take action regarding Israeli settlement clubs participating in domestic league competitions.
Earlier this year, FIFA said the legal status of the occupied West Bank remains unresolved under international law and decided not to impose disciplinary measures.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Palestinian Football Association has announced plans to resume football activities through a preparatory competition in September, aimed at restoring domestic sporting activity without promotion or relegation.
Palestinian football officials say the initiative represents an effort to preserve the sport and provide athletes with an opportunity to continue representing their communities despite the continuing effects of conflict and occupation.
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