12/1/2024–|Last updated: 12/1/202410:21 PM (Mecca time)
The Palestinian national team is looking forward to spreading feelings of pride in the hearts of its citizens in the Gaza Strip, which was devastated by war, by achieving its first victory in the Asian Football Cup since its first appearance in the tournament in the 2015 edition.
The Israeli aggression, which has continued for more than 3 months, has resulted in the martyrdom of more than 23,000 Palestinian civilians, most of whom are women, children, and the elderly.
Palestinian national team midfielder Uday Kharoub said Thursday, “For us, the message that should be conveyed through football is to qualify for the second round because Palestine and its people want to live. This is what we can offer.”
A list of 26 players is preparing to compete in the Asian Cup finals hosted by Qatar, where the Palestinian team will begin its journey in the tournament by facing its Iranian counterpart next Sunday before playing against the UAE and Hong Kong teams, hoping to qualify for the second round.
Kharroub said that it is difficult for players, especially those with families in Gaza, to focus on training while their eyes are closely following news of what is happening there between training sessions.
Kharoub added, “Our hearts are with them and all we can do is pray for them. We can make them happy, God willing, even if just a little, by qualifying for the next round.”
Defender Musa Firawi said that the team intends to play in high spirits despite the situation in Gaza.
He added, “The group we have (in the national team) is truly special, so we hope that God will grant us success and give every player the courage to perform at a high level. I expect Palestine to qualify for the second round, God willing.”
Fellow defender Yasser Hamad said, “The entire team derives motivation from what is happening in Palestine, and this is a difficult time for all families, but we are professional players, and we must continue to work in the same approach as we have been in recent weeks.”
Israel had previously won the Asian Cup when it hosted the tournament in 1964, but in light of the political tension and its boycott by Middle Eastern teams, Israel joined the European Football Association (UEFA) in 1994.
