Gaza siege deprives referees of international opportunities
The report reviews the repercussions of closing the crossings of the Gaza Strip on Palestinian athletes, especially international referees, as referees Muhammad Abu Shahla and Mahmoud Abu Mustafa were prevented from participating in Asian, Arab, and international tournaments due to being barred from travel, which cost Abu Shahla the chance to join the elite referees in Asia.
The report reviews the repercussions of closing the crossings surrounding the Gaza Strip on the sports sector, especially on Palestinian international referees from the Strip. It highlights the case of international referee Muhammad Abu Shahla, who lost the opportunity to join the elite referees in the Asian continent after he was unable to leave Gaza to participate in the Asian tournaments to which he was summoned. It also highlights the suffering of international referee Mahmoud Abu Mustafa, who was deprived of participating in three beach soccer tournaments in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Thailand due to the siege. The report quotes Abu Mustafa's statements describing the siege as "killing the ambition of athletes in Gaza," and calls on international sports institutions to pressure to ensure the freedom of movement for Palestinian athletes. The report indicates that the Palestinian Football Association nominated five referees from Gaza for the international badge, and that the repercussions of closing the crossings are not limited to referees but extend to coaches, media professionals, and players.