A Rare Play Space for Palestinian Children Under Threat
Israeli authorities have ordered the demolition of a soccer field in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem. The decision has sparked anger and deep concern among Palestinian residents. The field is one of the very few open spaces where children can safely play.
The Aida refugee camp is densely populated. Homes are tightly packed. There are almost no recreational areas for young people. For many children, the soccer field is their only outlet for sports and social activity.
Thirteen-year-old Rital Sarhan plays on a local girls’ soccer team. She says the field represents hope. “If the field gets demolished, this will destroy our dreams and our future,” she said. She explained that the camp has no alternative spaces for sports or recreation.
Parents and community leaders share the same fear. They say the loss of the field will impact children’s physical and mental health. Many worry it will leave young people with nowhere to go except crowded streets.
Israeli Military Cites Illegal Construction Near Separation Wall
The Israeli military issued the demolition order on December 31. Officials said the soccer field was built illegally. According to the military, the land is located next to Israel’s separation barrier in the West Bank.
In a statement, the military said the area is under a seizure order. A construction ban is also in place. Because of this, officials claim the field violates security regulations.
Mohammad Abu Srour is an administrator at the Aida Youth Centre. The centre manages and maintains the soccer field. He said the military gave the community just seven days to demolish it themselves.
Israeli authorities often require Palestinians to carry out demolitions on their own. If residents refuse or fail to comply, the military steps in. Afterward, Palestinians are billed for the cost of the demolition.
Abu Srour said soldiers told residents the field posed a threat to the separation wall and nearby Israelis. He rejected the claim. “I do not know how this is possible,” he said. He stressed that the field is used only by children and youth.
Demolitions Fuel Fears of Wider West Bank Annexation
The planned demolition has drawn international attention. Israeli demolitions in the occupied West Bank have long faced global criticism. Human rights groups say such actions violate international law.
Many Palestinians fear the demolitions are part of a broader policy. They believe Israel is attempting to reshape the West Bank. Some see it as a step toward formal annexation.
These concerns intensified in early 2025. Israel increased demolition activity in refugee camps across the central and northern West Bank. As a result, about 32,000 residents were displaced, according to reports.
Human Rights Watch has described these demolitions as a war crime. The organization argues that destroying civilian infrastructure in occupied territory is illegal. Israel strongly disputes this claim.
Israeli officials say demolitions are a security measure. They argue the actions help disrupt militant activity. However, critics say many targeted structures have no military connection.
In Aida camp, residents insist the soccer field is purely civilian. They say it promotes peace, health, and community bonding. For children growing up under occupation, the field represents normal life.
As the demolition deadline approaches, uncertainty grows. Families fear losing one of the last symbols of joy in the camp. For many children, the fate of the soccer field feels deeply personal.
