RAMALLAH – The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) is considering resuming domestic football activities—including its national league—after nearly a two-year suspension due to the ongoing war in the region, which stopped all Palestinian sports activities since October 7, 2023.
The announcement came during the PFA Executive Committee's first official meeting since the war began, held Sunday under the leadership of Chairman Jibril Rajoub.
"We are studying the possibility of reactivating sports activities and the league—on the condition that we can ensure a minimum level of safe mobility, operational facilities, and the necessary financial and administrative resources," said Rajoub.
The Palestinian Football Association Executive Commitee meeting on Sunday, July 6, 2025 (Photo courtesy: Palestinian Football Association)
War's Toll on Palestinian Football
Rajoub opened the meeting by lamenting the heavy toll the war has taken on Palestinian sports, citing the loss of hundreds of lives—including prominent athletes—and the destruction of infrastructure.
"Palestinian sports have been under direct attack. We've lost hundreds of martyrs, wounded, and detainees, including iconic sports figures," he said. "Gaza's entire sports infrastructure has been wiped out, and numerous sports facilities in the West Bank have also been targeted."
Due to these conditions, all domestic sports activities were suspended, with the exception of official international appearances by national teams. Rajoub expressed hope that Sunday's meeting could mark a turning point—an opportunity to adapt the national sports policy to current realities and begin a new phase.
He emphasised that Palestinian sports must remain a vehicle for resistance and a platform for amplifying the Palestinian cause. He also stressed the importance of maintaining unity in the Palestinian sports movement, free from political or geographic divisions.
Focus on Youth and Academies
Rajoub called for increased investment in youth programs and sports academies, saying it was essential to provide Palestinian children with meaningful, educational, and hopeful outlets in the face of ongoing trauma.
"We hope that the resumption of sports activities will begin in Gaza and Jerusalem. We are committed to providing all possible resources for Gaza and call on the Palestinian government to support the sports sector," he concluded.
Voices from the Diaspora and Gaza
Lebanon: Ziad Al-Buqai, Executive Committee member and head of the PFA's Lebanon branch, highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinian sports in the refugee camps there. He cited worsening security conditions, economic hardship, a lack of suitable stadiums, and the high cost of renting private facilities.
Despite these difficulties, Al-Buqai said the PFA in Lebanon managed to hold promotional tournaments and a women's league and is preparing to launch an under-19 futsal league. He highlighted the efforts to develop women's football in partnership with schools and clubs.
Gaza: In a Zoom address, Sami Abu Al-Husain, Deputy Secretary-General in Gaza, confirmed that all sports facilities in Gaza have been destroyed, with the exception of Rafah Municipal Stadium.
"We are currently documenting all the martyrs from the sports community," he said, expressing hope that a future truce could allow for the gradual return of local competitions and help safeguard what remains of Gaza's athletic talent.
2023/2024 Season Cancelled
Concluding the meeting, the PFA officially annulled the 2023/2024 domestic season due to the ongoing emergency. The records from the 2022/2023 season will now serve as the official benchmark for all competitions.
This meeting marks a fragile yet determined step by Palestinian football officials to revive the sporting spirit amid immense adversity.
Why is this important?
The decision to completely halt all Palestinian sports activity on October 7, 2023, and not renew it in some extent ever since, was slightly hasty.
While war was indeed raging in Gaza, it was still possible to hold matches in the West Bank. Despite the desire to "unify the frontieres" and show solidarity with Gaza, the full shutdown of the leagues for such an extended period ultimately harmed Palestinian footballers themselves, and the entire Palestinian sports system.
This new statement by the Palestinian FA signals a shift. It suggests that after nearly two years, even officials in the West Bank now recognise the need to resume sports, even at a minimal level, because a total shutdown is devastating.
It will be interesting to see whether the ceasefire currently under discussion will help advance the return of Palestinian football in the West Bank after nearly two years.
After months of war, the Palestinian Football Association may revive league play—if minimum safety, infrastructure, and funding can be secured.