«Israel» Shuts Down Palestinian Soccer Tournament South of Al-Quds

By Staff, Agencies

“Israeli” police Friday morning shut down a Palestinian soccer tournament in Beit Safafa, southwest of al-Quds [Jerusalem], purportedly for being held under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority [PA].

“Israeli” police raided Beit Safafa playground and posted a notice issued by the entity’s so-called Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan banning the soccer tournament from being held at any playground purportedly for being held “under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority to mark the Palestinian Prisoner’s Day”.

The soccer tournament was organized by the Multaqa Ahali al-Quds and the al-Quds Clubs Association.

Head of the Forum’s Sports Commission Fadi Ewisat pointed out that 12 teams with players aged between 12 and 13 years from al-Quds district were scheduled to play in the canceled tournament.

Half of Beit Safafa fell under al-Quds municipality when the municipality’s borders were expanded following the “Israeli” occupation of Palestinian territories.

The town is plagued by poor infrastructure, and residents are constantly subject to harassment and arbitrary arrests by “Israeli” police.