Palestinian Football Association resumes matches with 1,000 Martyrs Cup

The Palestinian Football Association restarted organized competition this week following a three-year hiatus caused by the war in Gaza. Matches for the 1,000 Martyrs Cup commenced simultaneously in the West Bank and Gaza, marking the first professional activity since October 2023. At Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium in Al-Ram, Jabal Al-Mukaber Club and Shabab Al-Khaleel SC played the tournament opener while a memorial for deceased athletes stood nearby. In Gaza, Khadamat Rafah and Shabab Rafah held their opening match in Deir al-Balah. According to the football association, 1,014 Palestinian athletes have been killed since the conflict began, a figure that includes players, coaches, and administrators. The association plans to continue the tournament across the West Bank, Gaza, and refugee camps in Lebanon, despite significant logistical hurdles regarding travel and military checkpoints.

• 12:44 PMYahoo Sports — With joy and grief, Palestinian football marks return