The Palestinian Football Association organized the competition, “Thousand Martyrs Cup,” with opening matches held simultaneously in the three areas includingWest Bank, Gaza Strip and refugee camps in Lebanon.

As many as 244 clubs from the West Bank, Gaza and the diaspora are participating.

The group-stage draw was held simultaneously across the association’s various branches on Sept. 1.
The association named the competition in memory of Palestinian athletes martyred by Israel during its war on the Gaza Strip.

Mustafa Siyam, secretary-general of the Palestinian Sports Media Association said that the competition marks the return of sporting activity after more than three seasons of suspension.

He said the war also targeted Palestinian athletes and sporting infrastructure, and more than 1,000 athletes, including players, coaches and referees, were killed.

The tournament was named after the martyrs of the sports movement, honoring their loyalty and their sacrifice, said Siyam. Its launch represents “a message that sporting life is returning, even if only in a limited way.”

The return of matches to Gaza carries particular significance given the extensive human and material losses inflicted on Palestinian sports since Israel launched its war on the enclave in October 2023.

In the West Bank, the competition also follows the suspension of domestic tournaments for three seasons amid continuing Israeli escalation, which has restricted the ability of clubs and players to train, travel and hold matches regularly.

In Lebanon, the competition is being organized through the association’s diaspora branch and includes Palestinian clubs operating primarily in refugee camps.

The Palestinian Football Association said the tournament would pave the way for the gradual resumption of domestic competitions.

Source: Anadolu