Palestinian club football to restart in September after Gaza war suspension
The Palestinian Football Association announced that professional sports leagues will resume in September after a three-year suspension due to the war in Gaza. The return will be marked by the 'Thousand Martyrs’ Cup' to honor athletes killed during the conflict.
Why it matters
The resumption of sports is being framed by local officials as a symbol of national resilience and hope despite significant financial and physical challenges.
Palestinian sports leagues, including professional football, were halted due to Israel’s genocidal war on Palestinians.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A football pitch amid the rubble in Gaza City [Mohammed Saber/EPA] By AFP Published On 10 Aug 2026 10 Aug 2026 The Palestinian Football Association has announced that it will resume activity in September after a nearly three-year pause due to Israel’s genocidal war on Palestinians in Gaza.
“We announce the resumption of sports activities and the football association’s league beginning September 4,” association President Jibril Rajoub said at a Ramallah news conference on Monday.
Palestinian sports leagues, including professional football, came to a halt after the war began on October 7, 2023.
The association has named the first tournament back the “Thousand Martyrs’ Cup”, to honour the 1,014 Palestinian athletes killed by Israel during the war, according to the association’s data.
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