Palestinian football to return after nearly three-year suspension as Gaza war halts finally end

Palestinian football is set to resume next month after a suspension of almost three years caused by the war in Gaza, with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) confirming that domestic competitions will restart on September 4.

PFA president Jibril Rajoub announced the decision during a press conference in Ramallah, describing the return of football as a symbol of resilience after years of disruption.

“We announce the resumption of sports activities and the football association’s league beginning September 4,” Rajoub said.

Football and all other organised sporting competitions across Palestine were suspended following the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, leaving clubs and players without competitive action for nearly three years.

To mark the return of the game, the association has named the opening competition the “Thousand Martyrs’ Cup”, honouring the 1,014 Palestinian athletes who, according to PFA figures, were killed during the conflict.

More than 200 clubs are expected to take part in the tournament, including 146 teams from the occupied West Bank, 44 clubs from Gaza and 36 teams representing Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. Matches will kick off simultaneously across all three locations.

Rajoub acknowledged the immense challenges faced by Palestinian football during the conflict but insisted the sport remained a source of hope.

“The war created difficult conditions for all Palestinians that led to the suspension of our competitions and activities.”

“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 PFA also highlighted the severe financial difficulties facing clubs and the association following years without organised competition, while calling on FIFA and international football bodies to provide greater support for Palestinian football.

Rajoub urged world football’s governing body to protect the rights of Palestinian players, clubs and children to participate in sport “in freedom and dignity.”

The association also renewed its calls for FIFA to take action against Israeli clubs based in settlements in the occupied West Bank and reiterated its demand for Israel’s suspension from FIFA competitions, arguing that football’s governing body should apply its regulations equally.

“We are not asking for privileges; we are demanding legitimate rights guaranteed by international sporting laws and charters,” Rajoub said.

The return of domestic football marks a significant milestone for Palestinian sport, with clubs, players and supporters preparing to resume competitive action for the first time since October 2023.