Israel Plays First Soccer Match Since Gaza Conflict, Faces Kosovo in Euro 2024 Qualifier

Amid tight security, Israel's national team aims for victory to bring 'some happiness' to their people; social media calls for Kosovo to ban the team due to ongoing Gaza conflict.

Israel's national soccer team played its first match since the October 7 attack by Hamas and the ongoing Gaza conflict, facing Kosovo in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
The match, originally scheduled for October 15, was held under tight security measures due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel's coach, Alon Hazan, and captain, Eli Dasa, expressed their desire to win the match to bring 'some happiness' to their people.
Israel, currently third in its group with 11 points after six games, has never qualified for a European Championship since fully joining UEFA in 1994.
Despite calls on social media for Kosovo to ban the Israeli team due to the Gaza conflict, the match proceeded with Kosovo police preparing operations to control possible crowds and stop criminal activities.