Egyptians to hold sports tournaments in Gaza

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Egyptians to hold sports tournaments in Gaza A delegation representing sports associations in Egypt has joined Minister of Sport Al-Ameri Farouq on a visit to the Gaza Strip. The 70-member delegation included a number of Egyptian sports stars, the former Al-Ahli FC goalkeeper Ahmed Shobair among them.

Palestinian Sports Minister Mohammed Al-Madhoun met the delegation accompanied by a group of Palestinian athletes. The officials discussed “important issues”, it was reported.

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Speaking to the media at a press conference, Mr. Farouq thanked the Palestinian Government for its efforts and concerns for sport and the athletes. He said that this visit was in line with Egyptian policy which is to stand alongside Palestinians in all areas of activity.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh also met the delegation and thanked them for the solidarity visit. He affirmed Egypt’s importance to the Palestinian issue.

In a surprise move, Farouq said that his country is ready to hold sports tournaments in the Gaza Strip. He added that Egypt is ready to host Palestinian sports camps and treat injured Palestinian athletes.

Before leaving Gaza, the delegation visited the sports stadiums destroyed by the Israelis during their offensive in November; Egyptian and Palestinian officials played a short football match against each other as a symbol of the relationship between the two countries.

MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad