The speech of the State of Palestine at the Ministerial Forum 'Change the Game' held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, on the sidelines of the Olympic Games.

The speech of the State of Palestine at the Ministerial Forum "Change the Game" held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, on the sidelines of the Olympic Games.

The Palestinian delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) participated in the "Change the Game" ministerial forum held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, alongside the Olympic Games.

In her speech representing Palestine at the forum, with the presence of the Deputy Secretary-General of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Nader Jeyousi, diplomat Jamila Erekat reviewed the serious and far-reaching repercussions of the warof the ongoing Israeli war on the Palestinian sports sector, and athletes in the occupied Palestine, and particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Here is the text of the speech:

Madame Director General,

Madame ADG,

Ministers,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates, and colleagues

Allow me first to convey the greetings of Lieutenant General Jibril Rajoub, Palestinian Minister of Youth and Sports, who could not be with us today. I would like to bring to your attention the severe, and far-reaching impact of the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza Strip on sports sector, and athletes in Palestine.

The Israeli war on Gaza has resulted in the death of at least 38,000 civilians. Over 400 Palestinians employed in Gaza's sports sector, including athletes, referees, and instructors, were killed. Israeli attacks also resulted in the killing of over 85 Palestinian athletes. As if the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza was not enough, an average of 10 children are losing one or two limbs each day, according to UNRWA Chief. Consequently, Israel is expanding the scope of disabilities among children and adolescents, rather than cultivating a competent generation of international athletes.

Today we mourn the loss of outstanding, and promising international Palestinian athletes… Hani Al-Masry, Ahmed Daraghmeh, Hani Al Masdar, Mohammed Balah, Bassim Al-Nabahin, Rashid Dabbour, Hassan Abu Zuaiter, Ibarhim Qusaya, Yasmin Abu Sharaf, and Nagham Abu Samara.

Excellencies,

Sports, and athletic training infrastructure have suffered significant damage rendering them inoperative. This deliberate destruction has prevented a whole generation from even pursuing their athletic aspirations, passions and dreams.

The Israeli army deliberately turned the Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City into a detention center to hold and humiliate hundreds of Palestinians, including women, and children in a blatant disregard of all regional, national, and international humanitarian laws, and conventions.

The psychological and emotional repercussions for Gaza athletes are perpetually jeopardized by injuries, death, and uncertainty. The mental health of our athletes has been profoundly affected by the ongoing blockade, economic hardship, and the current war, which have inflicted a massive trauma associated with the loss of family members, friends, colleagues, and homes. The destruction of their residences, schools, universities, sports centers, and stadiums will render it nearly impossible to maintain the discipline, resilience, and motivation that are essential for any competitive sports.

In addition to all the aforementioned, mobility restrictions imposed by the Israeli blockade, and the occupation policies in Palestine have considerably reduced the opportunities for athletes to participate in international competitions. Athletes are frequently denied, or delayed travel permits, which impedes their ability to compete on a global scale, and to acquire the necessary exposure for their professional development. Such restrictions prevent them from demonstrating their abilities, and proudly representing their country.

Nevertheless, and despite these darkest hours in the history of Palestine, it is our great pride to announce that eight of our Palestinian athletes will be competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Mr. Yazan Bawwab (a swimmer) is one of them, and he has graced us with his presence today. Our athletes' presence in Paris demonstrates their dedication to Palestine, the Olympic spirit and the values of the United Nations. In our eyes, they are already champions, and their presence is a symbol for hope and for a brighter future for thousands of Palestinian children.

Excellencies,

Prior to concluding my intervention, I would like to urge the international community, all Ministers, distinguished Ambassadors, delegates, and friends to exert all possible efforts to stop the unjustifiable, decades-long suffering of our people, to uphold their commitment m, and denounce the destructions of the athletic and sports system in Palestine, and call for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire.

And that brings us to the end…Thank you for your attention