On Friday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent letters to the leaders of the Israel and Palestine Football Associations, offering his condolences for the “horrific violence” that has occurred in the past week, resulting in the loss of over 2,700 lives.
Infantino’s letter follows a similar expression of condolences from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who wrote to the head of the IFA.
Hamas militants were responsible for the deaths of more than 1,300 Israelis in their attack on Saturday.
In response, Israeli airstrikes have led to the deaths of over 1,400 individuals in Gaza, as reported by local authorities there.
“I would like to express… our deepest condolences to the Israel Football Association and the Palestine Football Association, in light of the horrendous violence that has been occurring over the past days,” Infantino wrote.
“It is as heartbreaking as it is shocking to see a region whose people have known such profound suffering for far too long suffer even more.
“The footballing world stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Israel and Palestine and with all the innocent victims that have paid an unspeakable price.”
Neither FIFA nor UEFA, the governing body of European football, have released any statements in the media regarding the dispute. Aleksander Ceferin, president of UEFA, sent a letter of sympathy to the IFA chief as well.
“FIFA joins in calling for the immediate end of hostilities and for the immediate relief of the suffering of the people of both Israel and Palestine,” Infantino added.
“Of course, we know that football cannot solve the problems of the world, but it can play even a small part in bringing a light of hope where there appears to be only darkness ahead.”
Infantino also said that FIFA would offer assistance in relief efforts.