The Algerian football body suspended all matches Wednesday “until further notice” to show solidarity with the Gaza Strip which has been bombarded by Israeli airstrikes.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said it “decided to suspend all football competitions and matches” to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The FAF said it “respects the memories of venerable and glorious martyrs victims of savage Zionist attacks” in Gaza.
The body said Sunday that it agreed to host “all official and non-official matches” of the Palestinian national football team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers and to cover costs related to the events.
Algerian football chief Walid Sadi said Algeria will host the Palestine vs. Australia match Nov. 21.
Palestine will visit Lebanon on Nov. 16 in the United Arab Emirates in their first World Cup qualifier, days before a match with Australia.
At least 471 people were killed and 342 o injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.
Gaza is already experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.
The conflict began Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood — a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.
Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”
At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed. The death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.