# Resumption of Palestinian football leagues > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/resumption-of-palestinian-football-leagues > Updated: 2026-09-05T01:07:13.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Following a nearly three-year suspension caused by the conflict in Gaza, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) announced plans to resume sports activities and league competitions in September. The inaugural tournament, named the ‘Thousand Martyrs’ Cup’, was organized to honor 1,014 Palestinian athletes killed during the conflict. In September 2026, the tournament officially commenced with matches held simultaneously across three regional hubs: the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The competition involves 226 clubs, consisting of 146 from the West Bank, 44 from Gaza, and 36 from Lebanon. In Gaza, matches are being played on limited grounds in areas such as Deir al-Balah, where much of the sports infrastructure has been destroyed or occupied by displaced persons. The resumption follows extensive damage to Palestinian sports infrastructure, including hundreds of destroyed or damaged stadiums and facilities. The PFA intends for this tournament to serve as a preliminary step toward the gradual restoration of regular domestic leagues. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Palestinian football resumes with Thousand Martyrs’ Cup The Palestinian Football Association has resumed club competitions with the ‘Thousand Martyrs’ Cup’, honoring over 1,000 athletes killed in the conflict across the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palestinian-football-resumes-with-thousand-martyrs-cup ### 2026-08-10: Palestinian Football Association to resume leagues in September The Palestinian Football Association will resume league activities on September 4 with the ‘Thousand Martyrs’ Cup,’ involving 226 clubs across the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palestinian-football-association-to-resume-sports-in-september --- Cite as: Resumption of Palestinian football leagues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/resumption-of-palestinian-football-leagues