Thursday 14 / November / 2024
Muscat: It has been just over 24 hours since the official X account of the Palestine Football Association (PFA) tweeted the tragic news: Israeli occupation forces had killed two more club football players in Gaza, raising the toll of football martyrs to 344. Among the fallen so far are not only players but also relatives of national team members, with some coming from the same clubs or localities.
Yet, as the saying goes, “the show must go on.” The Palestine national football team is in Oman, ready to face the hosts in a crucial AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 2026 on Thursday. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
For the Palestinian players, the stakes of this match extend far beyond the field. Over the last 13 months, it has been fraught with unprecedented challenges. Israel’s ongoing offensive, particularly in Gaza, has not only disrupted their daily lives but also cast a long shadow over their football aspirations.
National team players are not just contending with opponents on the pitch, but with the emotional and psychological toll of the conflict, the destruction of their sports infrastructure, and the interruption of their training.
In an exclusive conversation with Times of Oman, senior PFA spokesperson Dima Said highlighted the gravity of the situation.
“The dreams of every Palestinian are to see our football stars succeed at the highest level,” she said.
“We harbour hopes of watching our team play in the World Cup, despite the hardships we face under illegal occupation and the ongoing crimes committed by the Israeli forces.”
Dima further elaborated on the dire conditions. She said: “The ongoing attacks have severely damaged sports infrastructure across the West Bank and Gaza, with some stadiums even targeted during training sessions, putting players and staff at risk.
“Our local league has been suspended, depriving players of a vital avenue for development and match readiness. Movement restrictions, including frequent checkpoints, complicate efforts to hold regular team training. And perhaps most heart-wrenching, being unable to play home matches in Palestine deprives the team of the vital support and morale that comes from playing in front of their own people.
“These disruptions go far beyond logistical challenges; they deeply affect the spirit of the team.”
Dima acknowledged, “The players are profoundly affected on multiple levels. Without structured, competitive play, they struggle to maintain the development and motivation needed to succeed at this level. The trauma of the ongoing aggression weighs heavily on them, as many worry constantly about the safety of their families and communities.”
Despite these adversities, the players have displayed remarkable resilience.
Dima continued, “Their commitment is unparalleled, and they find strength in one another and in their mission to represent Palestine on the international stage.”
The emotional toll is particularly intense for certain players who have lost loved ones in the violence.
“For some of our players, this conflict is intensely personal,” said the PFA spokesperson.
“Many have lost relatives and friends to recent violence. These losses serve as painful, ever-present reminders of the stakes beyond the game. Each match becomes not just a competition but an act of dedication and remembrance. The commitment of these players is a testament to their resilience, and their determination to carry on in honour of those they’ve lost.”
The profound sense of duty and solidarity extends beyond the team. Dima stressed the support the team receives from Palestinians worldwide, as well as from international fans who see the players as a symbol of resilience.
“We are proud to say that Palestinians everywhere, alongside international supporters, stand united behind the national team. Their journey is emblematic of the Palestinian spirit. In a time when sports are one of the few platforms where Palestinians can assert their identity, the national football team holds immense significance. Each victory, each goal scored, speaks volumes about the resilience of Palestine.”
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the Palestine Football Association remains unwavering in its dedication to supporting the team’s quest for the World Cup.
“Reaching the World Cup would be a victory far beyond sports. It would resonate throughout the Arab world and stand as a testament to the human spirit. We’re working tirelessly to overcome the barriers our players face, focusing on their development, resilience, and preparation. The World Cup would not just be a platform for Palestine but for the universal values of justice and solidarity. Every match played is one step closer to this powerful dream,” Dima signed off.
