Скачать или смотреть Aida camp football pitch saved after global pressure

"It is a place for life."

A children’s football pitch, in Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, threatened with demolition by Israeli authorities has become a symbol of resistance and international solidarity.

After Israeli media reported that Israel's demolition order had been frozen, Aida Youth Centre director Munther Amira said the decision followed pressure from FIFA and the global football community, though no official confirmation has yet been issued by either the Israeli army or FIFA.

He said more than 350,000 people worldwide signed a petition to protect the pitch, the first playground the camp has had in over 70 years, stressing that Israeli policies are designed to make Palestinian life "miserable" and push children back onto the streets.

Amid the threat, Bethlehem-based Palestinian street artist Taqi Spateen visited the pitch and responded in his own way, painting a football fixed into the separation wall, appearing to smash through it.

He said he was not a journalist or footballer, but used street art to "speak without words", sending a clear message that the playground would not be destroyed thanks to international solidarity.

Spateen said Palestinians, despite daily suffering under occupation and genocide, continue to seek a dignified life through football, music, dance and art, adding that even if the wall is demolished, the message of the artwork, and the children’s right to joy, will remain.

Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:
   / @middleeasteye  

Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews.

Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST
Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected]

Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH

Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG

Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net
Follow us on TikTok:   / middleeasteye  
Follow us on Instagram:   / middleeasteye  
Like us on Facebook:   / middleeasteye  
Follow us on Twitter:   / middleeasteye