Over 350 Palestinian Footballers, 400+ Athletes Killed by Israeli Forces in Gaza
Stadiums Converted to Detention Centres, 278 sports facilities destroyed in bombing
Israel’s military offensive on Gaza that began in October 2023, has led to the death 350 Palestinian footballers besides over 400 athletes, including 91 youth players.
In addition, the total death toll among athletes, including administrators and sports federation members, has reached 644, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
Among the victims are brothers Muhammad and Mahmoud Khalifa, who were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Muhammad played for Hilal Gaza and the Palestinian national youth team, while Mahmoud represented Shabab Ahli Al-Nuseirat.
The PFA has condemned the assault as "genocide," with one young footballer killed nearly every day since the offensive began.
Israel’s bombing campaign has also destroyed 278 sports facilities, crippling Palestinian athletes' ability to train and compete.
Many sports facilities have been repurposed as detention camps, with football pitches and stadiums used to detain and humiliate Palestinians, including athletes.
This further impacts Palestinian sports and the future of young athletes aspiring to represent their country.
Additionally, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that Israeli forces have been leaving bodies in the streets, where stray dogs feed on them, a clear violation of international law. Thousands remain buried under rubble, with some bodies reduced to skeletons. These actions, including obstructing rescue teams, are violations of the Geneva Conventions.
Israel’s actions have resulted in over 45,200 deaths, including many women and children.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, for war crimes, while Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Despite these violations, international bodies like FIFA remain silent, the PFA said.
The Norwegian Football Federation, led by Lise Klaveness, has called for FIFA to investigate Israel’s actions and for sanctions against Israel. The Palestinian Football Association has called for FIFA to suspend the Israeli Football Association for violating FIFA's laws.
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