Palestinian Authorities Say No Evidence Israel Has Halted Plans to Demolish Football Pitch in Refugee Camp
The Aida Youth Centre in the Bethlehem refugee camp has denied reports that Israel has suspended plans to demolish a local football pitch, saying it has received no official notifications on the matter. The centre's head, Munther Amira, stated on Wednesday that despite media claims of international pressure and a halt in demolition plans, there is still uncertainty surrounding the situation.
The youth centre has been at the center of an "Save the Pitch" campaign to prevent Israel from carrying out the demolition order, which would deny hundreds of children their right to practice sport. The Aida Youth Centre's football team expressed sadness over the news, saying they do not understand why Israel wants to demolish the pitch.
The Israeli army had issued a warning that either the centre or itself would demolish the pitch if no action was taken. Nader al-Jayousi, technical director of the Palestine Olympic Committee, stated that Palestinian authorities have reached out to international sporting bodies with documented evidence of Israeli violations against Palestinian sport but has yet to see any concrete measures or sanctions.
The situation highlights Israel's long-standing policy of targeting Palestinian sports facilities and athletes as a means of suppressing national identity and expression. The Palestinian Football Association claims the demolition order constitutes a violation of international human rights law, specifically the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Aida Youth Centre in the Bethlehem refugee camp has denied reports that Israel has suspended plans to demolish a local football pitch, saying it has received no official notifications on the matter. The centre's head, Munther Amira, stated on Wednesday that despite media claims of international pressure and a halt in demolition plans, there is still uncertainty surrounding the situation.
The youth centre has been at the center of an "Save the Pitch" campaign to prevent Israel from carrying out the demolition order, which would deny hundreds of children their right to practice sport. The Aida Youth Centre's football team expressed sadness over the news, saying they do not understand why Israel wants to demolish the pitch.
The Israeli army had issued a warning that either the centre or itself would demolish the pitch if no action was taken. Nader al-Jayousi, technical director of the Palestine Olympic Committee, stated that Palestinian authorities have reached out to international sporting bodies with documented evidence of Israeli violations against Palestinian sport but has yet to see any concrete measures or sanctions.
The situation highlights Israel's long-standing policy of targeting Palestinian sports facilities and athletes as a means of suppressing national identity and expression. The Palestinian Football Association claims the demolition order constitutes a violation of international human rights law, specifically the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
. Like, we all know Israel's policies towards Palestinians aren't exactly chill 
. And now they're trying to destroy some kids' football pitch? That's just low 
. I'm not surprised the Palestinian authorities are denying any halt in demolition plans tho 
. They've been saying that for ages and it's still just a bunch of international pressure 
.
It feels like Israel's always trying to erode Palestinian culture and identity, whether it's through sports or whatever else. And international sporting bodies are still not doing enough about it 
.
. It's just not right. 
. If they get rid of the football pitch, it's not just a game for them, it's their identity and way to express themselves. Israel's actions are so unfair, like, what's the point of even having international sports bodies if they're just gonna sit back and do nothing about this? 
The fact that Palestinian authorities have shown evidence but still haven't seen any concrete action is like, super frustrating 
. I wish people would talk more about these issues on social media so we can get some awareness out there 
. It's not right that Israel's targeting their sports facilities to suppress national identity and expression 
it's not just about the kids, it's about their identity and expression too... i feel so bad for those kids who have dedicated themselves to football, only to see their pitch get demolished. 
. it's all about the kids and their right to play sports without being treated like they're less than nobody. newsflash: sport brings people together 
and its an awesome way for kids to learn teamwork and stuff. instead of tearing down these facilities, Israel should be supporting them 
... the Palestinian Football Association is right though, this is a clear violation of human rights law 
.
the aida youth centre sounds like heroes man keeping that football pitch alive for those kids is not too much to ask from humanity 
I'm literally fummin' about this news! Like, come on Israel, can't you just chill? You're gonna demolish a football pitch in a refugee camp and deny hundreds of kids their right to play sports? That's just low 