Palestinian football resumed on Friday with a club competition across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and refugee camps in Lebanon, ending a nearly three-year suspension due to the ongoing conflict, according to Anadolu.
The Palestinian Football Association organized the “Thousand Martyrs Cup,” with opening matches held simultaneously in the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Jabal Al-Mukaber faced Shabab Al-Khalil at Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram, north of Jerusalem, while Khadamat Rafah played Shabab Rafah at Ittihad Deir Al-Balah Club’s stadium in central Gaza.
In Lebanon, Al-Ansar faced Al-Nahda at Abu Jihad Al-Wazir Stadium in the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp.
A total of 244 clubs from the West Bank, Gaza, and the diaspora are participating in the tournament.
The group-stage draw was conducted simultaneously at various association branches on September 1.
The competition was named in memory of Palestinian athletes who were killed during the conflict in Gaza.
– Return after lengthy suspension
Mustafa Siyam, secretary-general of the Palestinian Sports Media Association, stated that the competition signifies the return of sporting activities after over three seasons of suspension.
He mentioned that the conflict also impacted Palestinian athletes and sports facilities, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 athletes, including players, coaches, and referees.
The tournament is named in honor of the martyrs of the sports movement, acknowledging their loyalty and sacrifice, Siyam explained. Its launch sends a message that sporting life is gradually resuming, albeit in a limited capacity.
– Sport amid death, destruction
The resumption of matches in Gaza is particularly significant due to the extensive human and material losses suffered by Palestinian sports since the conflict began in October 2023.
In the West Bank, the competition comes after a three-season suspension of domestic tournaments due to ongoing tensions, which have limited clubs and players’ ability to train, travel, and hold matches regularly.
In Lebanon, the tournament is organized by the association’s diaspora branch, featuring Palestinian clubs based mainly in refugee camps.
The Palestinian Football Association indicated that the tournament would facilitate the gradual resumption of domestic competitions.
