Israel war has seen the UEFA postponed all matches slated to be played during the next fortnight due to security fears in the region.
UEFA also revealed that Israel’s EURO 2024 qualifier against Switzerland which is meant to be played on Thursday is among the postponed games.
In regards to the EURO 2024 qualifier that is supposed to be played on Thursday, which is now postponed, UEFA said: “in light of the current security situation”.
European football’s governing body also revealed that new dates will be announced for the qualifiers amid the war.
What Are The Matches Postponed By UEFA?
European Championship 2024 qualifier
Israel v Switzerland – 12 October
European Under-21 Championship 2025 qualifiers
Israel v Estonia – 12 October
Israel v Germany – 17 October
European Under-17 Championship 2024
Mini tournament involving Israel, Belgium, Gibraltar, and Wales – 11-17 October.
UEFA also revealed that it will monitor the situation in the coming days to know whether Israel’s match with Kosovo will take place on 15 October.
“UEFA will continue to closely monitor the situation and will remain in contact with all teams involved before making decisions on new dates and on potential changes to other upcoming fixtures.,” they said.
Isreali’s Premier League Champions Maccabi Haifa are currently playing in the Europa League this season and their next match will be against Villarreal after the international break.
On November 7th they will welcome the Spanish side for their next home game in the competition.
Why are Israel and Hamas fighting?
The attacks started on 7th October, 2023 and it came without a warning, however, this happened at a time when there were increased Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
This year has been the deadliest year on record for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which could have motivated Hamas to strike Israel with a spectacular attack.
Hamas also has been seeking to score a major propaganda victory against Israel to boost its popularity among ordinary Palestinians.
The fact that it has taken so many Israelis captive is likely to be aimed at pressuring Israel to free some of the about 4,500 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons – a highly emotive issue for all Palestinians.
There is also speculation that the attack was orchestrated by Iran – Israel’s arch-foe – which has been trading a growing number of attacks with Israel in recent years. Israel has blamed Iran, though Iran’s ambassador to the UN has denied his country’s involvement.
Iran and Hamas also staunchly oppose the growing prospect of a historic peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia – something which might be thwarted if Israel’s military response to the attacks provokes widespread anger in the Arab world.
