Displaced Palestinians gathered in Khan Younis to cheer on the national football team, which is currently taking part in the FIFA Arab Cup, with many saying the sport is their “only escape”.
“Soccer is practically the only outlet for the people of Gaza, especially in light of the harsh conditions we’re enduring here, with two years of war,” said an attendee.
Since the ceasefire, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned to the ruins of their former homes. More than 350 have been killed since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on 10 October, according to Gaza health authorities.
Despite the devastation, the territory’s team has continued to succeed on the pitch, reaching the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup.
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