Thousands run Palestine Marathon under shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza

Key Points:

• The tenth Palestine International Marathon took place in Bethlehem with a parallel 5km race held in Gaza, resuming after a two-year break caused by Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip.
• The marathon began at 6am local time from the Church of the Nativity, featuring thousands of Palestinian and international runners, including about 1,000 foreigners from 75 countries.
• Organizers emphasized the event’s message of “unity of the homeland,” with simultaneous races on both sides of the Israeli separation barrier and a virtual marathon attracting over 5,000 participants from 88 countries.
• The event included multiple race categories catering to professional athletes, amateurs, and families, and was organized by the Palestinian Higher Council for Youth and Sports, Palestinian Olympic Committee, and Bethlehem Municipality.
• The marathon occurred amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza and increased violence in the West Bank, with many runners carrying Palestinian flags or wearing keffiyehs, symbolizing peaceful resistance and solidarity with Gaza.