The Palestinian national football team has embarked on a European tour, aiming to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while playing symbolic friendly matches against the Basque Country and Catalonia national teams.
Led by coach Ehab Abu Jazar, the team trained at Athletic Bilbao’s Lezama facilities ahead of a match at San Mamés stadium, where thousands are expected to show support for the Palestinian cause. For Abu Jazar, the tour is far more than football—it is a mission to draw global attention to the ongoing struggles of his people.
Abu Jazar, who has lost numerous family members in the Israel-Hamas conflict, described the situation in Gaza as dire. “My home was destroyed. My relatives are still living in tents, exposed to harsh conditions. It’s emotionally devastating,” he said.
Many players on the squad have never been to Gaza. They hail from countries including Qatar, Chile, Iceland, and the United States, yet share a deep commitment to representing Palestinian football, which has suffered heavily from two years of bombardment that disrupted leagues, clubs, and players’ lives. Among the casualties was Suleiman Al-Obeid, 41, often referred to as the “Palestinian Pele,” who died while waiting for humanitarian aid.
“Our goal is to give a voice to Palestinians and raise funds for humanitarian support,” said defender Yasser Hamed, who was born in Bilbao. Proceeds from the matches will go to Doctors Without Borders to aid hospitals and medical relief efforts in Gaza.
Winger Ahmed Al-Qaq, born in the United States to Palestinian parents, emphasized the importance of hope. “We are not politicians. But through football, we can offer people something to look forward to and remind the world of the situation in Gaza,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the team remains resilient. “If we fall, we get back up. That’s in our DNA,” Al-Qaq added. The tour stands as a symbol of hope and a call for international pressure to secure a dignified and independent future for Palestinians.
