Israel again bullying the Palestinians. In its latest act of aggression, Israel denied permits for most of the Khadamat Rafat Gaza’s soccer club, to cross few miles to the other side of Palestine.

Khadamat Rafah was set to play Balata FC in the West Bank last Wednesday.

According to Haaretz Jerusamem District Judge Moshe Sobel accepted the position of the Coordinator of Civil Activities in the Territories (COGAT) and recommendations by the Shin Bet security service, prohibiting 23 players from leaving the coastal enclave.

Israel total blockade of the Gaza District has families divided, and the economy paralyzed. Simple travels from Gaza to West Bank or Jerusalem are under IDF control.

Wouldn’t Israel be better off supporting sports in Gaza? Instead of denying the right of movement to the players, which create anger and anxiety, it should promote the free movement of people.

Last year, Israeli snipers shot Palestinian soccer player Khalil Obeid in both of his knees during a protest in Gaza ending a promising football career.

FreePalestine #FIFA #Soccer #PalestinianSports

https://www.thenation.com/article/fifa-palestine-cup/