A video surfaced on social media where Indian football fans raising banners that display “India with Palestine”, after an ISL match in Delhi. The Pro-Palestine supporters are also seen voicing slogans as “free… free… Palatine”. The video was shared by Maktoob Media, an independent news outlet. Even though India has strong affiliations toward political events, it is rare to witness any political protests from the gallery or audience.
The incident reportedly occurred during the Punjab FC versus Hyderabad ISL (Indian Super League) match happened on October 7, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. A group, comprised mostly of youngsters, among the gallery took banners with them to express solidarity with the Palestinian people in the ongoing war between Israel. The match ended 1-1. In the 12 team league, Hyderabad is currently positioned 11th and Punjab FC is in the 12th.
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The war has entered its 35th day and the humanitarian conditions, especially in the Gaza Strip, had deteriorated to a severe-pathetic level. Several peace and human service organizations have already called for an immediate ceasefire as the situation is advancing to a catastrophic climate. But the Israeli defense forces with the artillery aid of US is continuing bombardment on the Strip and the death toll has reached around eleven thousand in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
New Delhi had already expressed its solidarity with Israel, where the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended all kinds of support to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. But India also upheld its long-time demand for an independent state to Palestine, which could share a peaceful border with Israel.
So far, from the Gaza Strip alone, over half a million were displaced and fled south since October 7. The refugee camps and hospitals in south are crammed full, with almost zero waste management functions and became breeding grounds for infectious diseases. As per the data’s of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) almost 4,600 displaced pregnant women and 380 newborns are sheltered in their facilities and are in urgent need of proper medical attention.