Published on 13.10.2023
English Premier League confirms tribute to Israel-Gaza victims at all games next weekend.
The Premier League has announced that players will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence in tribute to the victims of the Israel-Hamas War.
A conflict between Israel and Hamas, the terrorist group governing the Gaza Strip of the Palestinian territories, started last Saturday after Hamas launched a surprise attack. More than 2,500 people in Israel and Palestine have died since the conflict began.
The Premier League has now issued a statement as expected, which read, “The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians. We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.
“As a mark of respect for all those affected, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at the fixtures taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October. The League will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support the aid efforts helping those in urgent need”.
More than 1,400 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis have been killed since the start of the conflict on Saturday.
It began when Hamas initiated a multi-pronged surprise attack into Israel via land, sea and air. Hamas said the offensive was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s response extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.
Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that electricity, water, and fuel will not be provided to Gaza until all hostages held by Hamad are freed.
