Palestinian Squad Embarks on Peace Initiative During Trip to Spain

While on a purposeful trip to Spain, Palestinian national team manager Ehab Abu Jazar and his squad will take part in meaningful friendly encounters against the Basque Country and Catalan sides, aiming to promote security and liberty for their fellow citizens.

Wearing a dark tracksuit with a whistle between his lips, Palestinian manager Abu Jazar directs the squads practice session with confidence at Lezama, the training facility of Athletic Bilbao, on Friday.

Utilising one of the fields provided by the elite club, he seeks to ready his athletes as thoroughly as possible for an event that transcends a mere game at the impressive San Mames venue, before 50,000 fans backing the Palestinian effort on Saturday.

As demonstrated by the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that significantly impacted cyclings Vuelta a Espana Grand Tour over the summer, strong backing exists for them in the area as they compete in their debut fixture on European soil.

They hold the 98th spot in the FIFA standings, and their aspiration to compete in their inaugural World Cup dissolved this summer during the third stage of the Asian qualification process.

Abu Jazar has suffered the loss of numerous family members due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and certain relatives remain in danger, a reality that constantly occupies his mind.

"I hail from the Gaza Strip, from an extensive family there. We have nearly 200 martyrs from the family. My personal residence was demolished in this conflict," he shares with AFP.

"My kin, my mother to this day resides in a tent alongside my siblings, my relatives, my neighbours, my acquaintances, and everyone in Gaza. Thus, on an emotional and mental level, it proves profoundly challenging."

The majority of his athletes have never visited Gaza. Several perform in Qatar, one in Chile, another in Iceland, or in the United States.

They serve as the final symbols of Palestinian football, which has been utterly ravaged across every tier by two years of Israeli strikes, termed genocide by the Spanish authorities, following Hamass unprecedented incursion across the border on October 7, 2023.

Since that point, no league has operated, no clubs function properly, and countless sportspeople have sustained injuries or perished, including the nations most renowned footballer, Suleiman Al-Obeid, aged 41, known as the "Palestinian Pele".

The Palestine Football Association reported that he died during an Israeli assault on civilians queuing for aid supplies.

"We are present on a mission," states manager Abu Jazar to AFP, while straightening his keffiyeh around his neck.

"Our appeal to the global community is clear, apply pressure on this occupation to halt this genocide."

Ongoing Loss and Hunger

Even with the tentative truce established on October 10, the manager emphasised the persistent threats to Gazas civilians.

"Loss persists in Gaza even now, hunger endures in the Gaza Strip, and shelter remains absent," noted Abu Jazar, following Israels unyielding airstrikes that devastated vast areas of the territory.

"We near the winter period, and the tents offer no defence against winters chill or summers swelter.

"Hence, we urge the whole world, exert maximum pressure on this occupation, for in Palestine exists a population deserving of a nation and a respectable existence.

"We desire to exist with respect and autonomy, and this cannot occur without the occupations conclusion."

The manager, much like his athletes, anticipates that this charitable fixture, with earnings directed to Doctors Without Borders, will amplify the "pressure" on global entities to advocate for enduring peace and acknowledgment of a Palestinian nation.

"This stands as the paramount goal, providing a platform for voiceless Palestinians and gathering resources to aid relief groups," remarked defender Yasser Hamed, born in Bilbao and developed at Athletic Bilbao.

"These funds will prove invaluable, particularly for restoring medical facilities, supplying treatments, and similar efforts."

Optimism and Endurance

Hamed, proficient in Basque and Spanish, views himself as "fortunate" to pursue his love for the game, "while fellow Palestinians face starvation."

"It prompts you to cherish every meal, and the subtle aspects of everyday existence that often go unnoticed," he added.

"We bear this duty to deliver some happiness to our suffering countrymen. All of this needs to cease, and Palestine must achieve liberation at last."

His colleague Ahmed Al-Qaq, born in the United States to Palestinian heritage, anticipates these games will "awaken global awareness" to Gazas crisis.

"We are not involved in politics, but as athletes, we offer spectators a reason for optimism. Amid all they endure, it provides a spark of encouragement," details the 23-year-old forward.

And should Palestine suffer defeat, as in recent outings against Malaysia and Algeria?

"We shall rebound. Resilience runs deep in our heritage, always rising after a setback."