Sporting lives lost: Israel’s war on Palestinian athletes and sports infrastructure
Beyond the human toll, 265 sports facilities have been destroyed, leaving Gaza with only one functioning stadium out of 10
Muslim Network TV
RAMALLAH, Palestine (MNTV) – The sports community in besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza has been shattered by Israeli actions.
Since October 2023, Israel has killed 644 athletes, including 359 footballers—91 of them children.
Beyond the human toll, 265 sports facilities have been destroyed, leaving Gaza with only one functioning stadium out of 10.
In the occupied West Bank, 24 individuals have been detained by Israeli forces, intensifying the crisis.
Dima Said, spokesperson for the Palestine Football Association (PFA), condemned what she described as systematic targeting of Palestinian athletes and sports facilities.
She accused Israeli occupation forces of violating FIFA regulations and international humanitarian law.
“These attacks blatantly undermine the principles of fairness, respect, and unity that football stands for,” Said declared.
“The Israeli Football Association (IFA) actively supports policies of racism, territorial annexation, and ongoing genocide in Gaza, all in violation of FIFA statutes.”
The PFA called on FIFA, and national football associations worldwide to suspend all sporting ties with Israel until it complies with international laws.
It also urged FIFA to investigate Israel’s actions and restore football’s role as a symbol of peace and justice.
In a powerful move of solidarity, Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Association, has demanded a FIFA investigation into Israel ahead of their World Cup qualifier.
Klaveness emphasized that competing against Israel goes beyond sports, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Her remarks have been welcomed by the PFA, which praised Norway’s commitment to justice and the integrity of global sports.
“This is not just about football; it’s about holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable,” Klaveness said.
The PFA has reiterated its plea for the global sports community to take decisive action, stressing that silence in the face of these atrocities threatens the core values of international sportsmanship.
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