As football fans globally immerse themselves in the World Cup festivities, the joy of the tournament remains a distant reality for many in Gaza. Haitham Al-Saqqa, a 38-year-old footballer and humanitarian worker, highlights the severe challenges faced by those attempting to follow the competition amidst ongoing military operations and widespread destruction. His personal account underscores the profound impact of the conflict on daily life, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Al-Saqqa, who founded Palestine's first national football team for people of short stature, saw his dreams of international participation shattered when the conflict escalated in October 2023. The team was unable to travel to Morocco for a regional tournament, and tragically, several members were killed in Israeli strikes. Among them were teammates Ahmed Awad and Salah Shaalan, who perished along with their entire families in northern Gaza. Dr Adnan Al-Bursh, an orthopaedic surgeon and member of the Palestinian Football Association, was also killed.
The dangers of simply watching a match are ever-present. Al-Saqqa recounted witnessing people killed while attempting to view a Champions League match in November 2023. The football stadium where his team once played now serves as a displacement shelter. With his home less than a kilometre from a deadly 'yellow line', the fear of walking outside, especially after 9pm when late matches begin, is constant. Even if he braves a café, electricity cuts frequently disrupt the viewing experience.
Despite the immense difficulties, Al-Saqqa, a fan of Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Al Ahly Egypt, has managed to watch approximately 20 World Cup games through various means. However, his most heart-wrenching decision is to prevent his four-year-old son, Nahedh, from joining him. "My son, Nahedh begs me: 'Please I want to go with you, I want to watch a match.' But I can't do that," Al-Saqqa explained. "I tell him we can stay home and watch the summary on YouTube if the electricity keeps up. Because, to be honest, I'm afraid to lose him on the outside." This fear is rooted in the reality that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, with a neighbour of Al-Saqqa's also recently among the casualties.
The broader context of the conflict casts a long shadow over these personal struggles. The UN recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza by deliberately and "intentionally" killing Palestinian children, a claim Israel vehemently denies, asserting its military operations adhere to international law. With up to 92 per cent of Gaza's infrastructure reportedly destroyed, children are often seen playing in the rubble, a stark reminder of the devastation. Past incidents, such as the killing of nine Palestinians watching a World Cup match in a café in 2015, further underscore the profound risks associated with public gatherings.
Source: The Independent