Palestinian Club Football to Restart in September After Gaza War Stoppage

The Palestinian Football Association announced on Monday that sports activities, including professional football leagues, will recommence in September, ending a hiatus of nearly three years due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The resumption marks a significant step for Palestinian sports, which have been severely impacted by the war that began after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

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We announce the resumption of sports activities and the football association's league beginning September 4.

Association president Jibril Rajoub stated at a press conference in Ramallah that the league is scheduled to begin on September 4. The first tournament back has been named the "Thousand Martyrs' Cup" in honor of the 1,014 Palestinian athletes the association says were killed by Israel during the war. This tournament will feature over 200 clubs, with participation from 146 clubs in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, 44 from Gaza, and 36 from Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The competition is set to launch simultaneously across these locations.

Rajoub acknowledged the "difficult conditions" created by the war that led to the suspension of competitions. However, he emphasized the resilience of the Palestinian national spirit and the enduring belief in sport as a "symbol of hope and life." He also highlighted the severe financial challenges faced by the association and Palestinian clubs.

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But we have not lost our Palestinian national will, nor have we lost our belief that sport will remain a symbol of hope and life.

The association has appealed to FIFA and other international federations for support, urging them to protect the rights of Palestinian players, clubs, and children to participate in sports with "freedom and dignity." Rajoub also called on FIFA to impose sanctions on Israeli clubs operating in West Bank settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, and to suspend Israel's FIFA membership over its actions in Gaza. "We are not asking for privileges; we are demanding legitimate rights guaranteed by international sporting laws and charters," Rajoub asserted.

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We are not asking for privileges; we are demanding legitimate rights guaranteed by international sporting laws and charters.