JERUSALEM, Friday, December 8, 2023 (WAFA) - The Palestinian Olympic Committee said that the Israeli destruction machine has overwhelmed the components of the Palestinian sports movement in the southern provinces in the besieged Gaza Strip, killing many athletes, including 47 players from various team and individual sports, 17 technicians and administrators, in addition to five arrests and many physical injuries.

The Committee, in a statement, recalled the case of child Yasmine Sharaf, a 6-year-old karate player, who dreamed of growing up and representing her homeland, Palestine, in the fields of sports following in the footsteps of the Palestinian star Hala Al-Qadi, who recently achieved a bronze medal in the Asian Games. But the Israeli killing machine killed Yasmine, along with her childhood Olympic dream.

Sports facilities in Palestine were not spared from the occupation’s attacks and continuous violations. During the Israeli aggression, the United Nations Development Program “UNDP” stadium was bombed, as well as Beit Hanoun Stadium, while a third stadium located next to the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza was turned into a mass grave. Three equestrian clubs, a baseball field, and several martial arts centers were also bombed; all of which are sports facilities, that formed a haven for Palestinian athletes in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, the occupation continued its attacks and violations against sports facilities. Forces demolished the Tulkarm and the Jenin youth centers; both of which are clubs originally founded for Palestinian refugees who found sports as their outlet and hope for younger generations who dream of pursuing their sports career, shaping their personality and identity, and representing their country in international sports forums.

T.R.