日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
繁體中文
Dansk
// DOSSIER — palestinian-football-returns-thousand-martyrs-cup
Palestinian Football Returns With the 'Thousand Martyrs Cup' After Three-Year Halt
REL_TIME: 05 Sep 2026 22:12Z · LANG: EN
The Palestinian Football Association has launched the 'Thousand Martyrs Cup,' marking the resumption of domestic football competitions after a nearly three-year suspension caused by the ongoing war and destruction in Gaza, the West Bank, and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The tournament features 244 participating clubs and is named in honor of more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes, players, coaches, and referees killed since October 7, 2023. Simultaneous opening matches kicked off on September 4, 2026, serving as a symbol of resilience and an effort to restore normalcy amidst severe infrastructure devastation, ongoing military restrictions, and economic hardship.
// Background
Domestic football and sports in Palestine experienced a nearly three-year suspension starting in October 2023 due to intense military operations, which killed over 1,000 athletes and destroyed roughly 270 sports facilities in Gaza alone. Palestinian athletes across Gaza, the West Bank, and refugee camps in Lebanon have faced ongoing displacement, structural blockades, equipment bans, and daily safety threats.
// Key Developments
- The Thousand Martyrs Cup tournament kicked off simultaneously on September 4, 2026, ending a nearly three-year hiatus on Palestinian domestic football.
- A total of 244 clubs are participating: 50 in Gaza, 165 in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and 28 in Lebanon refugee camps.
- The tournament is named in memory of over 1,013 athletes killed by Israeli military attacks since October 2023, including roughly 570 footballers.
- Opening matches included Jabal Al-Mukaber vs. Shabab Al-Khalil at Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram, Khadamat Rafah vs. Shabab Rafah in Gaza, and Al-Ansar vs. Al-Nahda in Lebanon.
- Clubs face severe logistical hurdles, including destroyed sporting infrastructure, severe equipment shortages (such as high football costs), active military airstrikes, and restricted player movement.
// Timeline
-
Escalation of conflict triggers a nearly three-year suspension of domestic Palestinian football leagues.
-
FIFA announces a $75 million reconstruction plan for Gaza's football infrastructure at an inaugural meeting.
-
The Palestinian Football Association holds the simultaneous group-stage draw for the Thousand Martyrs Cup across its branches.
-
Opening matches of the Thousand Martyrs Cup officially launch simultaneously in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
// Perspectives
[Palestinian Football Association (PFA)]
Committed to reviving organized domestic football to foster hope, demonstrate resilience, and honor fallen athletes despite severe infrastructure and logistical challenges.
[Palestinian Players and Coaches]
Experiencing a mix of despair, grief, and determination; participating primarily to honor fallen teammates and preserve a sense of athletic identity under hazardous conditions.
[Israeli Military]
Continuing military operations, airstrikes, and border restrictions that have severely damaged sports infrastructure and restricted movement and equipment imports.
[FIFA]
Promised future reconstruction aid through a $75 million plan, though criticized by local figures for a lack of tangible progress and delayed support.
// Quotes
“Despite Israel’s deliberate targeting of athletes and ban on the entry of football equipment, we are very keen on reviving football activities for our players. This tournament carries many messages, especially since it bears the names of our very dear players who were killed during the genocide.”
“We can’t afford a training ball. Israel blocks footballs. One flat ball now costs around $400. Our players can’t afford the food to rebuild their fitness and physicality. We’re very reluctant to participate, but we’re playing to honor our martyred players and staffers.”
“I am now talking to you on the phone and I may be killed in the next 15 minutes. My father was killed. I am displaced. I missed out on offers from Egypt and Libya in 2024 because I couldn’t leave Gaza. My life resembles hell on earth.”
“Playing in this tournament is so emotionally overwhelming that I can’t put it into words. I am determined to win the trophy to pay the finest tribute to the thousand martyrs.”
