Story perspectives

FIFA, UEFA Urge Israel to Save Refugee Football Pitch

1/21/2026

Center

FIFA and UEFA Intervene

FIFA and UEFA pressured Israel to halt the destruction of a football pitch near the Aida refugee camp.
Israeli authorities deemed the pitch illegal for lack of permits, though it was built in 2021.
The project serves over 200 young players and stood as a symbol of hope.
Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, and Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, supported the decision.
IDF sources warn of shifts in violence from Gaza.

Left

Israel Dismantles UNRWA

Israel began demolishing the Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called it “a historic day.”
Israel has long accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas, which UNRWA denies.
Israeli legislation bans UNRWA from functioning in areas defined as Israel, including East Jerusalem.
The demolitions threaten essential services for Palestinian refugees.

1 of 2

FIFA and UEFA Intervene

FIFA and UEFA pressured Israel to halt the destruction of a football pitch near the Aida refugee camp.
Israeli authorities deemed the pitch illegal for lack of permits, though it was built in 2021.
The project serves over 200 young players and stood as a symbol of hope.
Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, and Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, supported the decision.
IDF sources warn of shifts in violence from Gaza.

1 / 2