Football on ruins: Gaza’s orphans find refuge on the pitch
Summary
Mohammed Eyad Azzam, a 16-year-old boy in Gaza, lost his family in an Israeli air attack and now cares for his grandmother while finding comfort in playing football. The ongoing conflict has destroyed many sports facilities, and the Palestinian Football Association struggles to keep the sport alive amid widespread damage and loss.Key Facts
- On October 11, 2024, an Israeli airstrike destroyed Mohammed’s family home in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.
- Mohammed survived but lost his parents and two older brothers in the attack.
- He now lives in the Shati refugee camp and helps care for his elderly grandmother.
- Before the war, Mohammed played football for Khadamat Jabalia club, which has since been destroyed.
- The Palestinian Football Association organized a youth football tournament on limited remaining pitches in Gaza.
- The Israeli offensive has killed over 1,100 people involved in sports, including more than 560 players, coaches, and staff.
- About 265 sports facilities in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged over the past two and a half years.
- Many stadiums have been turned into shelters or used by Israeli forces during military operations.
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