Pro-Palestine activists rally in Italy ahead of football match against Israel
Dozens have gathered in the northeastern Italian city of Udine, where Italy will play against Israel in a World Cup qualifier later today, to denounce Israeli abuses against Palestinians.
Human rights advocates have continued to call on UEFA and FIFA to ban Israel over the genocide in Gaza despite the ceasefire.
Israel has killed at least 421 footballers in Gaza over the past two years and destroyed the sport’s infrastructure in the territory.
In 2022, both FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia within days of it launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Israeli national team also faced protests when it faced Norway in Oslo on Saturday.
Protesters rally against the Israeli national team in Udine, Italy
Many released Palestinian prisoners suffering from scabies
The Palestinian Asra (Prisoners) Media Office says some recently freed Palestinian captives are unable to hug their families because they are suffering from scabies, a skin infection.
Scabies, caused by an infestation of mites, causes extreme itching and rashes across the body. It has been spreading among Palestinian captives in Israeli jails over the past two years because of the lack of hygiene and medical care.
The Asra Media Office said Israel has been purposely allowing the disease to spread to exact “revenge on prisoners”.
“The [Israeli] occupation forces confiscated all prisoners’ supplies, especially personal hygiene products, soap, toiletries and toothpaste,” it said.
“They also denied prisoners access to shaving and haircuts and confiscated their clothing, towels and personal equipment.”
