INTERVIEW - Gaza sports community seeks to revive games after genocide kills 1,000 athletes
Amputee athletes need prosthetics, rehabilitation and sports equipment to return to competition, says Mustafa Siam Sports seen as a tool to help Gaza’s youth recover psychologically and socially after 3 years of genocide, he says After three years of war that killed more than 1,000 athletes and destroyed hundreds of sports facilities, Gaza’s sporting community is seeking to bring sports back to life. Mustafa Siam, secretary-general of the Palestinian Sports Media Federation, told Anadolu that the return of sports to Gaza was not just about resuming competitions but also about helping children and young people recover psychologically and socially after three years of genocide. “Palestinian sports have suffered extensive destruction since October 2023, and statistics show that more than 265 sports facilities have been completely or partially destroyed,” Siam said. He said 1,014 Palestinian sports figures were killed during the war, including players, referees, coaches and administrators affiliated with the Palestinian Football Association. Among the best-known figures were international player Suleiman Obeid, who was killed by Israeli gunfire while trying to get food, and Hani al-Masdar, coach of the Olympic team, who was killed in an Israeli strike. Trying to bring sports back After the implementation of a ceasefire agreement in October 2025, the Palestinian Football Association held meetings with clubs in Gaza to develop a plan to restore sports activity, Siam said. Since then, the association has organized four tournaments for senior and youth players, as well as a beach soccer tournament. Siam said the tournaments’ primary objective was “to restore hope and revive the spirit” among young people and athletes living in difficult circumstances. “These young people are living in dilapidated displacement camps, and many of them have lost their families, homes, friends or coaches,” he said. Siam said the tournaments also carried a message to the world that Palestinian youth “have the right to play football and other sports, just like athletes around the world.” He said the Palestinian Football Association adopted an initiative in May 2024 to establish the Phoenix Cubs center for displaced children in camps. The center currently operates in Gaza City and the central governorate. “Sports are important for strengthening the psychological and social well-being of children who have lived through difficult circumstances during the years of war,” he said. He said football could also help preserve and develop young talent, as sports form part of education and social development. Supporting amputee athletes Siam said children and young people who lost limbs during the genocide need greater sporting and rehabilitation support, noting that “the number of amputees in Gaza has increased dramatically compared with the pre-war period.” Before the war, Gaza had amputee football groups and a team, but the number of amputees has risen significantly, including among athletes, he said. “These players need care and attention, as well as prosthetic limbs and services that can help them practice sports and football,” Siam said. “Providing prosthetics, rehabilitation services and sports equipment could help establish a team capable of representing Palestine in international competitions.” “Every one of these players carries a humanitarian message and a painful story they lived through during the genocide,” he said. “It is important to provide the resources necessary to help them return to sport.” Calls for international action Siam criticized “the failure of international sports institutions” to take action against Israel over violations affecting Palestinian athletes and sports facilities. He said the Palestinian Football Association had requested the suspension of Israel’s membership in international sports federations as early as 2013, but no decision had been reached. He added that campaigns by fans and coaches in Europe had called for measures against Israel. “International sports institutions should support Palestinian sports and protect Palestinian athletes’ right to compete and represent their country internationally.” Since October 2023, Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians and injured over 175,000 others, according to Palestinian figures, while also destroying about 90% of the enclave's infrastructure.