Communist Party of Israel protests prevention of football match

According to Zo Khadarek, the match was scheduled to feature Israeli and international activists, as well as players from the Palestinian national team and representatives from the Palestinian Football Association. The match was planned as a show of solidarity with the village's children, who are suffering from settler harassment. Israeli settlers invade the village's territory every Saturday, take over the village's small soccer pitch, and expel the children playing there.

Shortly before the game began, soldiers arrived at the scene carrying an order signed by the commander of the Yehuda Brigade, Col. Dotan Malul, declaring the area a military zone to be closed for 24 hours. Based on the order, the soldiers expelled the participants and prevented the activity from taking place – much to the disappointment of the village children, who were looking forward to the game with the players of the Palestinian national team.

MK Cassif, who was among the organizers of the game, said: "Children are being prevented from playing football for their own enjoyment, but the violent terrorist invaders are being allowed to invade the small pitch in this poor village and disturb them. They are forcibly preventing a friendly game with the participation of Israelis, Palestinians and internationals. This is exactly what the occupation looks like, this is exactly what apartheid looks like. We will not give up! The game will still take place, despite the hatred and anger of the occupation criminals."

On 4 September 4, after settlers entered Umm al-Khair and injured a child, soldiers arrived, declared the football pitch a closed military area, and ordered residents to enter their homes. A Palestinian resident was arrested and later released, while the invaders were not arrested.

(Photo: from a video by Mothers Against Violence)