Israeli forces suppress Palestinian celebrations for Morocco's World Cup win in East Jerusalem
Israeli forces suppress Palestinian celebrations for Morocco's World Cup win in East Jerusalem
Palestinians who had gathered in occupied East Jerusalem to celebrate Morocco's historic World Cup win over Portugal on Saturday were met with beatings and gas canister fire from Israeli forces.
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Videos posted online showed Israeli officers assaulting Palestinian football fans celebrating Morocco's win [Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty]
Israeli forces in occupied east Jerusalem violently clamped down on celebrations by Palestinians marking Morocco’s historic win over Portugal in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Palestinian football fans had gathered in various parts of East Jerusalem to celebrate the extraordinary 1-0 win over Portugal that made Morocco the first-ever African or Arab national team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Fans waved both the Palestinian and Moroccan national flags, and chanted in celebration of Morocco’s victory.
In response to the public display of joy, Israeli police officers in the Damascus Gate area beat Palestinians with batons, while some chased down the revellers, as shown in videos shared online and reported by Palestinian Authority media.
Israeli forces also fired gas canisters at Palestinians, causing a number of minor injuries, reported Arabi21.
Despite the clampdown, Palestinians continued to publicly celebrate the Atlas Lions’ win, according to Wafa, the Palestinian Authority's official news site.
Morocco’s stellar performance in the World Cup in Qatar has prompted enthusiastic support from Palestinians everywhere, including in the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip.
Palestinians had also expressed support for other Arab nations who made it to the tournament but were knocked out in the group stages, namely hosts Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia.
The solidarity has been reflected back in abundance, with football fans from the Arab world beyond displaying vocal and visible support of the Palestinian cause while in Qatar.
Palestinian national flags have been waved during several matches, and calls for freedom for the occupied land have been made on live television.
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