Defying the Odds: Gazans Tune into World Cup Amid Chaos

Fadi Al-Arawi, a footballer from Gaza, faces hardships as sports have been suspended due to ongoing conflict. Despite living in a shelter and with limited internet access, he joins friends to watch the World Cup, highlighting resilience amid war-torn conditions and the impact on Palestinian sports infrastructure.

Fadi Al-Arawi, a prominent football player in the Gaza Strip Premier League, has found himself sidelined, unable to play professionally due to the devastating effects of ongoing conflict in the region.

Sporting his old Gaza Sports Club uniform and medals from international competitions, Al-Arawi attempts to connect to a flickering internet signal on a laptop to watch the World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland with friends.

The Israeli military assault since the 2023 Hamas attacks has left much of Gaza in ruins, with residents facing scarce resources in shelters. Despite the truce in October 2025, tensions remain high, impacting Palestinian sports figures and facilities.