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Palestinian football has returned after a nearly three-year suspension, with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) launching the "Thousand Martyrs Cup" across the occupied West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
The tournament, which began on Friday, marks the resumption of organised football competitions following the disruption caused by the conflict that halted domestic sporting activities.
Opening matches were played simultaneously in the three locations, with Jabal Al-Mukaber taking on Shabab Al-Khalil in the West Bank, Khadamat Rafah facing Shabab Rafah in central Gaza, and Al-Ansar meeting Al-Nahda in Lebanon's Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp.
According to the PFA, a total of 244 clubs from the West Bank, Gaza and the Palestinian diaspora are participating in the competition.
The association said the tournament was named in honour of Palestinian athletes who lost their lives during the conflict and is intended to symbolise the resilience of Palestinian sports.
Secretary-General of the Palestinian Sports Media Association, Mustafa Siyam, said the competition marks the return of sporting activities after more than three seasons without organised football.
He added that the conflict severely affected Palestinian sports, claiming that more than 1,000 athletes, including footballers, coaches and referees, were killed, while sports facilities also suffered extensive damage.
Siyam described the tournament as a tribute to those lost and a sign that organised sporting activities are gradually returning despite the challenges.
The resumption of football is particularly significant in Gaza, where sports infrastructure has been heavily affected by the conflict since October 2023.
In the West Bank, domestic competitions had also been suspended for several seasons due to security challenges and movement restrictions affecting clubs and players.
The Palestinian Football Association said the "Thousand Martyrs Cup" is expected to serve as the first step toward the gradual restoration of regular domestic football competitions.
