Palestine Qualifies for Arab Cup: A 'Moment of Pride' Without U.S. Approval?
While The New Arab notes Palestine's victory over Libya, praising a rare moment of joy for Palestinians amidst conflict, what's often missing is context on just how difficult such an achievement is under occupation. This 'moment of pride' overlooks the systemic impediments faced by Palestinian athletes, from travel restrictions—forcing teams to navigate checkpoints and bureaucratic delays—to
direct attacks on sports infrastructure. Recall the 2009 Israeli attacks on Gaza that killed three Palestinian national team footballers, and the destruction of the Palestinian National Stadium. This isn't just about winning a football match; it's about existing. Such victories are framed as simple sports stories, deflecting from the fact that the very existence of a Palestinian team requires
navigating an occupation that controls their movement, access to training facilities, and ability to even play together. So, yes, a 'moment of pride,' but one forged in spite of, not with the blessing of, those who cheer for sports while funding the oppression of the players.