Footballer Fadi Al-Arawi Makes Spectacular Comeback
Fadi Al-Arawi, a footballer in the Gaza Strip Premier League, has made an impressive comeback to the pitch. Despite sports being suspended since the outbreak of war over two years ago, Al-Arawi donned his old Gaza Sports Club uniform and medals for Saturday’s World Cup match.
Al-Arawi watched the match from a converted school shelter in Khan Younis, with internet service struggling due to Israeli drones overhead. The ongoing conflict has left much of Gaza destroyed and its infrastructure heavily damaged.
Despite an October 2025 truce, Israel continues attacks on Gaza, while Hamas refuses to disarm in exchange for Israel’s troop withdrawal. Over two million Palestinians live in a narrow strip of Hamas-controlled territory along the coast, mainly in tents and damaged buildings.
Gazan sports enthusiasts find ways to continue their passion. Alaa Babli, who runs the Royal Cafe in Gaza City, installed backup power lines and batteries to screen matches after fuel-powered generators shut down. Hani Abu Rizq, a match-watcher, expressed his fear but determination to continue watching games.
The Palestinian Football Association reports that 1,000 athletes were among the 73,000 Palestinians killed by Israel since 2023. Israel has also destroyed around 285 sports facilities and converted stadiums into detention camps, some of which have been accused of mistreatment allegations, denied by Israel.
Al-Arawi’s return to the pitch symbolizes resilience in a region ravaged by conflict.