The return of Palestinian football: ‘We are a people who must live’
The Martyrs’ World Cup brings Palestinian football back after nearly three years, despite military restrictions.
Bethlehem, occupied West Bank – The floodlights came on at al-Khader Stadium, and for a few hours, the scene looked almost ordinary.
Young men sang from the stands as families settled into their seats and children ran along the front row. On the pitch, the Arab Orthodox Beit Jala and Dheisheh Youth football teams warmed up.
Then the whistle blew. The teams traded chances as fans cheered, groaned and shouted at the referee. It was the first organised competition Palestinian clubs had played in nearly three years.
“Every village, every city has an iron [military] gate at its entrance,” Abu Hilal said. “So it is normal for the occupation to come and close this gate, and the team cannot reach the match.”