Israel Delays Demolition of Palestinian Children's Football Pitch Amid Global Campaign

Thu Jan 22 2026 03:44:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The imminent demolition of a children's football club pitch in Bethlehem has been postponed following a significant international outcry and a petition with over half a million signatures.

Israel has put a temporary hold on the demolition of the Aida Youth Centre's football pitch in Bethlehem, which was deemed illegal due to lack of permits. The decision comes after a widespread campaign including a petition that gathered more than 500,000 signatures. While the Israeli military cites security concerns regarding the pitch's proximity to a concrete barrier, community members remain vigilant, fearing a future resumption of the demolition order.

Israel has postponed the demolition of a Palestinian children's football club in the city of Bethlehem, located in the occupied West Bank, citing that the pitch was constructed without the necessary permits and poses security risks due to its location near a barrier separating the occupied territory from Israel.

An international campaign has emerged to save the Aida Youth Centre's pitch, attracting over half a million signatures on a petition and forcing the authorities to reconsider the demolition order. However, the club has stated it has not received official notification regarding the status change.

Despite its modest size—just a tenth of a full-scale football field—and rusted goalposts, the pitch has become a focal point for a community striving to provide a space for over 200 young players from the nearby Aida refugee camp. Historically, the area is home to the descendants of families displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

Community members and players, like 10-year-old Naya, expressed their emotional attachment to the field, describing it as a place where dreams are built. The demolition threat began with a notice posted in November last year, followed by an official demolition order issued in December.

Amid the struggle, community activism included social media campaigns and global support from football organizations. The Israeli military reiterated the security threat posed by the pitch's location, but a political decision to delay the demolition has provided temporary relief.

Constructed in 2020, the pitch symbolizes a greater struggle against the Israeli state's expansion and the barriers created by the ongoing conflict. While the immediate threat of demolition has receded, the Aida Youth Centre's board remains cautious, continuing to advocate for their right to maintain the field.

The community recognizes that while they may have temporarily succeeded in preserving their space, the battle against systemic injustice continues as they navigate the complexities of their situation and the looming presence of the Israeli security barrier.