A Gaza footballer’s journey from pitch to hospital amid Israel’s war

Football, which was synonymous with life in Gaza, has been forced to take a back seat as players struggle to stay alive.

Deir el-Balah, Gaza – A day in the life of Khalid Mohammed Abu-Habel would start with him getting ready for classes at a hospital in Gaza, discussing medicine and healthcare with his colleagues, getting back home for lunch with his parents, attending football training and studying medicine at night.

Belonging to a working-class family, he lived in a small house with four siblings and his parents. While money was always an issue for the family, especially given the economic situation in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade, his family supported his determination and passion – and his dream of becoming a doctor and footballer.

“For me, medicine is more important than football. I love both but medicine is undoubtedly more honourable and significant,” Abu-Habel told Al Jazeera.

“I was keen to study hard. I’d spend five to seven hours studying medicine. We would have football training for two to three days, with each session lasting up to three hours. I only slept for around six hours a day.

“But those were lovely days.”