October 10 – Norwegian authorities have launched a major security operation ahead of Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Israel in Oslo with pro-Palestine protests expected on Saturday.
Amid heightened security measures, the Israeli team landed at Olso’s Gardermoen airport on Thursday evening.
The Norwegian Palestine Committee has announced a protest that will coincide with the match. Meanwhile, the Norwegian FA has said proceeds from the game will be donated to a humanitarian cause, earmarked for the Doctors without Borders organisation’s emergency relief efforts in Gaza and surrounding areas affected by the war.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino called for protesters to keep calm. “Now everyone should be happy about (the peace plan) and everyone should support the process,” Infantino told reporters on the sidelines of the European Football Clubs (EFC) assembly on Thursday.
“Of course, this goes beyond football – but includes football as well.”
Israel launched an assault on Gaza following a Hamas-led attack in 2023 that, according to Israeli figures, killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Palestinian health authorities report that Israel’s subsequent two-year ground and air campaign in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 67,000 people, nearly one-third of them under the age of 18. An agreement has been reached with Hamas for a ceasefire.
Last March, Norway defeated Israel 4-2 and with five wins from five, the team of Stale Solbakken is on course to qualify for its first World Cup since 1998. Next week, Israel will travel to Italy where more protests are expected to overshadow their fixture against the Squadra Azzurra.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1760101816labto1760101816ofdlr1760101816owedi1760101816sni@i1760101816tnuk.1760101816ardni1760101816mas1760101816
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