Gazas Orphaned Children Find Solace in Football on Local Pitch

Gaza Teenager Finds Solace in Football Amidst Trauma and Ruin

A 16-year-old Palestinian boy, Mohammed Eyad Azzam, has been left to care for his elderly grandmother after an Israeli air attack destroyed his home and killed his immediate family. The incident occurred on October 11, 2024, at the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Mohammed was at home with his parents and siblings when the warplane struck, causing widespread destruction. He was buried under the rubble for approximately 10 minutes before being rescued by his grandmother. Mohammed’s next memory is of waking up in a neighbor’s house on a ventilator.

Following the attack, Mohammed’s life took a drastic turn. He was forced to take on the responsibility of caring for his grandmother, and his daily routine became centered around providing for her needs. Amidst the chaos, football has become an essential outlet for him.

Before the war, Mohammed was a promising player for the Khadamat Jabalia football club. However, with the destruction of the club’s pitches and many of his teammates killed, the sport has been severely impacted in Gaza. The Palestinian Football Association recently organized a tournament for players born in 2009 at one of the last remaining patches of land suitable for hosting a football match.

Mohammed participates in these tournaments as a way to cope with his grief and find solace in the game. He notes that football provides an escape from his daily struggles, but it also brings back painful memories of what he has lost.

According to Mustafa Siyam, head of the media department at the Palestinian Football Association, Israel’s actions have resulted in the destruction of sports infrastructure in Gaza, leaving thousands of talented children without access to education and sports facilities. The statistics are staggering, with over 1,100 people affiliated with the sports sector killed, including more than 560 football players, coaches, and administrators.

Mohammed’s story is emblematic of the devastating impact of Israel’s actions on Palestinian youth. He faces numerous challenges in accessing these tournaments, which often require walking through rubble and tents to reach the pitch. Despite these obstacles, Mohammed continues to find solace in football, a game that has become an essential part of his daily routine.

Source: Al Jazeera