West Bank fans proud of Palestine’s Asian Cup progress
Despite the ongoing conflict and the final result, the residents of Al-Dhahiriyah in the occupied West Bank couldn’t be prouder of their hometown hero, Palestine’s Musab al-Battat. Despite losing to Qatar in the knockout stage of the Asian Cup, the game was a source of immense pride for the community.
In the hours leading up to the match, the excitement was palpable. Plastic chairs were arranged in a semicircle, while children wore black, green, and red wigs in support of their national team. Cigarettes were passed around among the men as they anxiously awaited kick-off.
Among the passionate supporters was Battat’s 80-year-old grandmother, who raised her hands to the sky, praying for a victory for Palestine. And her prayers seemed to be answered when Palestine took the lead in the 37th minute, sparking an explosion of joy among the spectators.
However, despite Qatar’s status as a political ally of the Palestinians, the game took place against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. A brief moment of silence was observed before kick-off to honor the lives lost in the conflict. Many members of the Palestinian team have personal connections to the war, with some having lost loved ones or having relatives trapped in Gaza.
Nonetheless, reaching the knockout rounds of the Asian Cup for the first time in its history was a significant achievement for Palestine. Oday Dabbagh’s stunning opening goal caught the Qatar crowd off guard, and the Palestinian players celebrated by crossing their arms in a symbolic handcuff gesture, representing the struggle of their people.
In the West Bank, where festivities are rare, Battat’s mother, Hanaa al-Hawarin, explained that the constant threat of Israeli raids loomed over their daily lives. The city of Hebron, just a few kilometers away, showed little enthusiasm for the match. Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continued to claim more lives.
At the local level, football has encountered its own set of challenges due to the political situation. Football championships in the West Bank and Gaza have been suspended, forcing the Palestinian team to train abroad. The captain’s father, Khaled al-Battat, expressed mixed emotions about his son’s success, as his pride is tinged with anger over the ongoing occupation and its impact on their lives.
Nevertheless, the passion for football runs deep in Musab al-Battat’s veins. He learned to handle the ball on the streets of his village as a young boy. With dedication and love for the game, he worked his way up to becoming the captain of the national team, earning his family’s admiration and pride.
While the final score may have been disappointing, a 2-1 victory for Qatar, it was by no means an ignominious exit from the tournament for Palestine. Ismail al-Battat, Musab’s brother, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing that reaching the last 16 was a commendable achievement. The journey for Palestinian football continues, even in the face of adversity.
In a land marred by conflict, football provides a much-needed source of unity and hope for the people of Palestine. Despite the challenges they face, their spirit remains unbroken, and their pride in their national team shines brightly. As they continue to strive for success on the international stage, the people of Al-Dhahiriyah and the entire West Bank will be there to cheer them on, celebrating their achievements and embracing the joy that football brings in the midst of turmoil.
