After more than 28 months without football championships due to Israeli military offensives, the game has resumed in Nuseirat, Central Gaza, on one of the few fields that survived the bombings. This return of sporting activity has sparked joy among the local community, particularly among officials and players. Mahmud Abu Mustafá, an international beach football referee, expressed happiness at the revival of sports, highlighting a glimmer of hope for the Palestinian people despite ongoing hardships.

The current championship, organized by the Palestinian Football Federation, is limited to 5-a-side games and futsal due to the destruction of the larger football pitches by the Israeli military. This reflects the dire conditions in Gaza, where much of the infrastructure has been heavily damaged. The tournament marks not only a return to play but also the beginning of plans to reconstruct the football fields that were previously available, offering a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos.

The initiative to bring back football serves as a testament to the resilience of the local population and their desire for normalcy and recreation despite the challenges faced. The hope is that this small step in sports might also contribute to community healing and provide a collective escape from the ongoing violence and uncertainty in the region.