The Palestinian national football team is taking a unique stand for peace and humanitarian awareness during their visit to Spain. Led by coach Ehab Abu Jazar, the team will participate in symbolic friendly matches against the Basque Country and Catalan national teams, aiming to shine a light on the ongoing struggle of Palestinians and advocate for safety, freedom, and recognition for their people.

Training with Purpose at Athletic Bilbao

Dressed in black tracksuits and armed with determination, Coach Abu Jazar led his team in an intensive training session at Lezama, the training ground of Athletic Bilbao, on Friday. With the San Mamés Stadium ready to host 50,000 spectators, the matches are expected to be far more than just football games—they represent a global platform for Palestinian voices.

The Palestinian team, ranked 98th in FIFA, was eliminated from World Cup contention this summer during the third round of the Asian qualifiers. Despite these setbacks, the squad remains committed to using sport as a means of raising awareness for their homeland.

A Coach with Deep Personal Loss

For Abu Jazar, the mission is deeply personal. Hailing from the Gaza Strip, he has lost numerous family members in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and some relatives remain in danger.

“I am from a large family in Gaza. We have almost 200 martyrs from the family. My own house was destroyed in this war,” Abu Jazar told AFP.

He described the dire living conditions for his family, including his mother, who continues to live in a tent with siblings, cousins, and neighbors.

Players Representing a Nation Under Siege

Many players on the team have never been to Gaza, with some based abroad in countries like Qatar, Chile, Iceland, and the United States. Despite this, they carry the responsibility of representing Palestinian football, which has suffered devastating losses due to two years of Israeli bombardment.

Among the casualties is Suleiman Al-Obeid, 41, known as the “Palestinian Pele,” who was killed while civilians awaited humanitarian aid. Local football leagues and clubs have been largely inactive since the conflict began, leaving athletes with few opportunities to train or compete.

A Message of Peace and Awareness

Coach Abu Jazar emphasized the purpose behind the team’s visit to Spain:

“We are here on a mission. Our message to the whole world is this — put pressure on this occupation to stop this genocide.”

Despite a fragile ceasefire established on October 10, Abu Jazar highlighted ongoing threats in Gaza, including famine, lack of shelter, and continued casualties. He urged the international community to take action, emphasizing the Palestinian people’s right to live with dignity, independence, and freedom.

Charity Matches for a Cause

The friendly matches are not only symbolic but also charitable. Proceeds from the games will support Doctors Without Borders, aiding in the rebuilding of hospitals, delivery of medicines, and other humanitarian relief efforts.

Defender Yasser Hamed, born in Bilbao and trained at Athletic Bilbao, spoke about the importance of raising awareness while helping those in need:

“This is the most important thing — giving a voice to Palestinians who don’t have one and raising funds to help humanitarian organizations.”

Hamed stressed that these matches offer a moment of joy and hope to Palestinians enduring hardship:

“We have this responsibility to bring a bit of joy to our compatriots who are suffering. All of this must stop, and Palestine must finally be free.”

Hope and Resilience Through Football

Winger Ahmed Al-Qaq, 23, born in the United States to Palestinian parents, echoed his teammate’s sentiments, explaining that football can help “open the world’s eyes” to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis:

“We are not politicians, but as players, we give people something to look forward to. Especially with everything they’re going through, it gives them a glimmer of hope.”

Even in the face of defeat, the Palestinian team remains resilient. Hamed added:

“We’ll recover. It’s in our genes to always get back up when we fall.”

Conclusion

The Palestinian national football team’s visit to Spain is a powerful example of how sport can transcend boundaries, acting as a platform for peace, humanitarian awareness, and cultural diplomacy. While facing tremendous adversity, these athletes are giving hope to millions and reminding the world that football is more than just a game—it is a voice for justice, dignity, and resilience.