Fans gather across the Gaza Strip to back Egypt, with public screenings offering a rare moment of escape
Published date: 4 July 2026 13:42 BST
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Last update: 12 sec ago
As the 2026 Fifa World Cup captivates fans around the world, Palestinians across the Gaza Strip are gathering to watch the tournament despite the territory’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Matches are being screened in public squares, cafes and restaurants.
All photos are taken by Mohammed al-Hajjar for Middle East Eye in the Nuseirat Camp in central Gaza.
With long power cuts and intense summer heat, especially in displacement camps, the screenings offer more than football.
They provide a rare chance to gather, socialise and enjoy a brief sense of normality.
As kick-off nears, fans pack the viewing areas, cheering on their favourite teams.
Egypt’s national team has drawn some of the biggest crowds, reflecting the close cultural and historical ties many Palestinians feel with their neighbour.
For many, the World Cup offers a brief escape from daily hardship, after more than two years of Israeli genocide and siege.
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