Tel aviv: Sports clubs, athletes, and fan groups across the globe are increasingly voicing their opposition to Israel's genocide in Gaza. Teams are taking actions such as refusing to compete against Israeli clubs or donating ticket revenues from matches involving Israeli teams to humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip.
According to Anadolu Agency, the sports community has been vocal since Israel's military actions in Gaza began over two years ago. In Turkey, numerous federations, clubs, and athletes have expressed their condemnation of the attacks. Meanwhile, in Europe, Spanish clubs have been particularly active in taking stands against Israeli sports teams.
Prominent sports figures, including Lewis Hamilton, Eric Cantona, and Mohamed Salah, have used social media to criticize Israel's actions and urge politicians to intervene. Belgian footballer Dries Mertens highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the region is being devastated by starvation due to Israel's policies.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 champion, has spoken out against the deaths of children in Gaza, citing UNICEF's report of over 100 child fatalities in just the first week of July due to Israeli actions. The ongoing blockade of Gaza by Israel continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, with starvation being a significant concern.
French football icon Eric Cantona recently supported a campaign for a refugee camp team in the West Bank by sharing a social media post wearing the Lajee Celtic Club jersey. The campaign, initiated by Celtic fan groups in Scotland, aims to support Palestinian refugees through jersey sales.
Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah criticized UEFA for its tribute to former Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obaid without acknowledging the circumstances of his death. Al-Obaid was killed while waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The Palestinian Football Federation confirmed his death was due to an attack by Israeli forces.
In Spain, significant actions have been taken against Israeli sports teams. Barcelona denied Israeli basketball team Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem access to its training facilities. Calls for suspending matches involving Israeli teams have also been made, with Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez advocating for Israel's exclusion from international sports events.
The sports community's reaction extends to several countries, with fan groups and federations calling for a ban on Israeli participation in international competitions. Protests and boycotts, such as those led by Celtic's "Green Brigade," have gained traction worldwide, demonstrating solidarity with Palestine.
The Palestinian Football Federation has urged for the suspension of Israeli sports entities until the cessation of attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Norwegian sports officials have pledged to donate ticket proceeds from matches against Israel to aid efforts in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis's severity.
The ongoing conflict has deeply affected sports in Gaza, with over 800 athletes reportedly killed since October 2023. The destruction of sports infrastructure has been widespread, with facilities repurposed for emergency use or destroyed entirely. The blockade continues to impede aid and resources, leading to fears of mass starvation among Gaza's population.