Story perspectives

Palestine Marathon Returns, Highlights Checkpoints, Women Run Gaza

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Palestine Marathon returned Friday in Bethlehem and Gaza after three years, running along the Israeli-West Bank barrier.
Organizers said the race highlights checkpoints and settlement expansion that limit Palestinian movement, with former detainee Mohamad Al-Assi finishing despite muscle loss after 32 months of detention.
In Gaza, 15 athletes, including amputees, completed a 2 km race while thousands ran a 5 km course, marking the first women’s participation since the 2013 UNRWA ban.

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Story summary

Palestine Marathon returned Friday in Bethlehem and Gaza after three years, running along the Israeli-West Bank barrier.
Organizers said the race highlights checkpoints and settlement expansion that limit Palestinian movement, with former detainee Mohamad Al-Assi finishing despite muscle loss after 32 months of detention.
In Gaza, 15 athletes, including amputees, completed a 2 km race while thousands ran a 5 km course, marking the first women’s participation since the 2013 UNRWA ban.