Muscat: It has been precisely 24 hours since the official Twitter account of the Palestine Football Association (PFA) disseminated the tragic news: Israeli occupation forces have been responsible for the deaths of two additional club football players in Gaza, thereby increasing the tally of football martyrs to a somber 344. Among the deceased, not only have we lost players but also their relatives, including some who were members of the national team, with a few hailing from the same clubs or localities.
However, as the adage goes, "the show must go on." The Palestine national football team is currently in Oman, poised to face the hosts in a pivotal AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 2026 match on Thursday. The game is scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
For the Palestinian players, the stakes of this match extend well beyond the confines of the field. Over the past 13 months, their journey has been fraught with unprecedented challenges. The ongoing offensive by Israel, especially in Gaza, has not only disrupted their daily lives but has also cast a shadow over their aspirations in football.
The national team players are not merely competing against opponents on the pitch; they are also grappling with the emotional and psychological burdens of the conflict, the destruction of their sports infrastructure, and the interruption of their training schedules.
In a confidential interview with Times of Oman, the senior spokesperson for the PFA, Dima Said, underscored the severity of the situation.
"The aspirations of every Palestinian are rooted in the success of our football stars at the highest echelons," she stated.
"We hold aspirations of witnessing our team compete in the World Cup, despite the adversities we endure under the illegal occupation and the continuous violations committed by the Israeli forces."
Dima further elaborated on the dire circumstances. She mentioned: "The ongoing aggression has severely damaged sports infrastructure throughout the West Bank and Gaza, with some stadiums even targeted during training sessions, endangering the lives of players and staff.
"Our local league has been suspended, depriving players of a crucial platform for development and match preparation. Movement restrictions, including frequent checkpoints, complicate the efforts to conduct regular team training. And perhaps most distressing, the inability to play home matches in Palestine deprives the team of the essential support and morale that comes from playing in front of their own citizens.
These disruptions transcend logistical challenges; they profoundly impact the team's spirit.
Dima acknowledged, "The players are profoundly affected on multiple fronts. Without structured, competitive play, they struggle to maintain the development and motivation necessary for success at this level. The trauma of the ongoing aggression burdens them, as many are constantly concerned for the safety of their families and communities."
Despite these formidable challenges, the players have exhibited remarkable resilience.
Dima continued, "Their dedication is unparalleled, drawing strength not only from each other but also from their collective mission to represent Palestine on the global stage."
The emotional burden is particularly severe for certain members, particularly those who have experienced the loss of loved ones due to violence.
"For a number of our players, this conflict has a deeply personal resonance," the spokesperson for the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) remarked.
"Many have suffered the loss of family members and friends in recent conflicts. These losses act as poignant, constant reminders of the stakes that extend beyond the realm of the game. Each match transcends mere competition, becoming a testament to their dedication and a form of remembrance. The commitment of these players is a reflection of their resilience and their resolve to honor the memory of those they have lost."
The profound sense of duty and unity extends beyond the team itself. Dima emphasized the support received from Palestinians across the globe, as well as from international spectators who view the players as symbols of resilience.
"We take great pride in the fact that Palestinians, in collaboration with international supporters, stand united behind the national team. Their journey symbolizes the essence of the Palestinian spirit. In an era when sports remain one of the few arenas where Palestinians can assert their identity, the national football team occupies a significant position. Each victory, each goal scored, eloquently speaks to the resilience of Palestine.”
Despite the formidable challenges, the Palestine Football Association remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the team's pursuit of the World Cup.
"Achieving the World Cup would represent a victory of immeasurable proportions. It would echo throughout the Arab world and serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. We are diligently working to surmount the obstacles faced by our players, concentrating on their development, resilience, and preparation. The World Cup would not merely be a platform for Palestine but for the universal values of justice and solidarity. Every match played brings us closer to realizing this formidable dream," Dima concluded.
