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Pro-Palestinian Protesters Rally Before Norway-Israel Qualifier/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pro-Palestinian protesters marched to Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion before Norway faced Israel in a World Cup qualifier. The demonstration was peaceful but drew attention amid ongoing tensions over Gaza. Only 3,000 fans were allowed under heightened security.

Norway-Israel Match Protest Quick Looks

• Pro-Palestinian protesters marched peacefully to Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion.
• Around 1,000 demonstrators waved flags, lit flares, and carried Gaza- banners.
• Norway hosted Israel in a World Cup qualifying match Saturday evening.
• Protesters planned to stay near the stadium until the 6 p.m. kickoff.
• Strict security limited attendance to 3,000 spectators.
• FIFA’s president urged calm following Israel-Hamas peace developments.
• Israel will next face Italy in Udine on Tuesday.
• Recent protests disrupted events involving Israeli athletes and teams.
• Indonesia is barring Israeli gymnasts from competing in Jakarta.
• Israel Premier Tech cycling team was excluded from an Italian race.

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Rally Before Norway-Israel Qualifier

Deep Look

Oslo, Norway (Ap) — A peaceful but highly visible pro-Palestinian demonstration unfolded Saturday in Oslo as around 1,000 protesters marched toward Ullevaal Stadiumwhere Norway was set to host Israel in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

The demonstration, reported by Norwegian public broadcaster NRKbegan in Oslo’s City Center and moved toward the stadium ahead of the match’s 6 p.m. local time kickoff. Protesters waved Palestinian flagslit flares, and carried banners highlighting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

While the protest remained peaceful, it added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the game. In response to security concerns, only 3,000 spectators were permitted inside the stadium, far fewer than its full capacity.

A prominent banner carried by protesters referenced the war in Gazaunderscoring the international attention and emotional intensity surrounding Israel’s participation in global sporting events. Organizers and local authorities ensured heavy police presence and enhanced security screenings to maintain order.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had issued a plea for calm just one day earlier, following reports that Israel and Hamas had reached a peace agreementwhich U.S. President Donald Trump described as the “first phase” of a broader diplomatic plan.

However, the situation remains fragile, and protests linked to Israel’s international sports engagements continue to unfold across Europe and Asia.

Upcoming Match in Italy Draws Similar Tensions

After the Norway match, Israel’s national team is scheduled to play against Italy in Udine on Tuesday. That fixture has already attracted controversy, with pro-Palestinian activists staging demonstrations outside Italy’s national team training center in Florence last week. Protesters demanded the cancellation of the match as part of a wider national strikewhich mobilized millions of participants across the country.

The political and humanitarian crisis in Gaza has fueled growing calls among protest movements and some officials to suspend Israel from international sports competitions. UEFA reportedly considered such a move, and Udine’s senior, Alberto Felice De Tonihad publicly requested a postponement of the Italy-Israel fixture.

Global Protests Target Israeli Sports Participation

The backlash against Israeli sports teams and athletes is not limited to football.

In Indonesiathe government has barred Israeli athletes from entering the country for the upcoming Gymnastics World Championships in Jakartahighlighting the global reach of political protest surrounding the conflict.

Similarly, cycling events in Europe have faced disruptions. During the Return to Spain cycling race in September, protests against the Israel Premier Tech cycling team caused interruptions across several stages, forcing organizers to cut short or reroute parts of the race.

As tensions escalated, the Tour of Emiliaanother prominent cycling event, took the controversial step of excluding the Israel Premier Tech team altogetherciting safety concerns stemming from expected demonstrations.

Sport as a Flashpoint in Global Conflict

Sporting events, often seen as a unifying force, are increasingly becoming flashpoints in global political disputes. The current wave of pro-Palestinian protests targeting Israeli teams reflects growing frustration and concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as broader questions about the intersection of politics and international sport.

In Oslo, while Saturday’s march remained peacefulit underscored the deep divisions and heightened sensitivities surrounding Israel’s presence on the world stage — not only in diplomacy but also in arenas and stadiums across continents.

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