Makeshift screens set up among the ruins of war in Gaza have become an escape for Palestinians seeking to watch World Cup matches. The wreckage of destroyed buildings, tents, and narrow streets are packed with hundreds of people gathering around large screens.
Ahmed Halava, 23, told the Financial Times, "It is of course impossible to completely forget the war, but watching football together helps us cope with the pain and provides relief, even if briefly." Bera el-Kaysi, 18, said he saw the tournament as an escape from harsh reality and an outlet for pent-up emotions.
Large Screens Amid the Rubble
Despite power outages and infrastructure destruction, the Egyptian Aid Committee placed free screens on the streets, while large supermarkets and mobile phone shops set up outdoor screens powered by their own generators. Said Abu Awn from Gaza City told the Financial Times that Egyptian and Moroccan flags were also flown on these screens.
While men and youths gather in public spaces, women follow the matches in damaged homes or private gatherings. Mustafa Jabir, a sports journalist in Gaza, emphasized that football is part of daily life, but this World Cup holds special importance as it provides the people with a few hours of psychological relief.
Strong Support for Arab Teams
The approximately 2.1 million people living in Gaza experienced great excitement, especially with the successful performance of Arab teams like Egypt and Morocco. Egypt's advancement to the round of 16 for the first time in its history sparked a huge wave of pride. Mustafa Jabir said the crowd watching the Egypt-Argentina match was larger than any seen even during matches of the Palestinian national team.
Egypt's elimination with a 3-2 loss to Argentina caused disappointment in Gaza similar to that in Egypt. Muhammad Abu Awn expressed his frustration, saying, "I'll now support France out of necessity, because they're the only team that can beat Argentina." On the other hand, Morocco's advance to the quarterfinals boosted support for the 'Atlas Lions'.
Jerseys and Flags: Political Messages
Football support in Gaza is closely tied to support for the Palestinian cause. Egypt's technical director Hossam Hassan's lap around the pitch with the Palestinian flag after the victory over Australia was greatly appreciated in Gaza. Political analyst Mustafa Ibrahim said the gesture "created a real space of joy and showed that Gaza is not isolated from the Arab world".
Spain has also gained popularity in Gaza due to its harsh criticism of Israel and its formal recognition of Palestine in 2024. Sports journalist Lina al-Masri noted that Madrid's political stance has increased sympathy for the Spanish team.
Sport in the Shadow of War
Despite a ceasefire declared last October, Israeli airstrikes continue and the reconstruction process has not begun. Muhammad al-Wahidi, who ran the screen organization for the Egyptian Aid Committee, was killed in an airstrike on a taxi before the Egypt-Argentina match. In the same strike, ten-year-old Hamza and eight-year-old Fadi, two brothers, also died.
Mustafa Siyam, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Sports Media Federation, told Anadolu Agency that around 285 sports facilities in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, and more than 500 sports figures have been killed. The stadiums that remain standing have been turned into tent camps housing homeless families.
Journalist Mustafa Jabir said, "Many people outside think the war in Gaza is over, but the reality is very different; airstrikes still hit many areas," adding that the 90-minute matches are the only extraordinary space for Palestinians to defend their right to life.
