This attack on fishermen came only a day after Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian minor to the east of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza Strip. Israel does not recognize Palestine as a political entity, and claims the Palestinian territories are occupied lands.
Advertisement
“It became clear seven people, including four players were not on the list and therefore, the entire mission can’t leave Gaza without them”, said Ala Shammaly of the Shejaia media office.
Mahajni added that it was “already a victory”. The Israeli military says it launched its “Operation Protective Edge” in Gaza in order to prevent rocket attacks on Israeli territory by Palestinian militants and root out tunnel networks used to conduct surprise attacks on Israeli targets.
In August last year, 18 suspected collaborators were killed by Hamas when the group announced a crackdown on Palestinians alleged to be working with Israel.
The winners of the Gaza and West Bank leagues used to meet for the Palestine Cup until Israel began restricting their movement in 2000. Shejaiya President Salah Harazallah said: “The match aimed to break the blockade on Gazan sport and it was achieved when Al Ahli entered Gaza”.
Palestinians in Israeli prisons regularly go on hunger strike in protest at conditions, particularly those who like Mr Adnan are held under a procedure allowing indefinite detention without charge or trial. More than 7,000 Palestinians are estimated to be imprisoned in Israeli jails and detention centers, many of them without charge or trial.
The teams will play in the West Bank on Sunday. “It brings people together”.
“Shejaiya, Shejaiya, not afraid of death”, home fans chanted amid a din of drums and smoke.
Advertisement
The home of Abu-Nqera in Al-Shaboora neighborhood reportedly exploded during the process of rubble removal, after it was damaged by last year’s 51-day Israeli offensive on Gaza. Once there, captain Fadi Dweik had bittersweet feelings.
