English Premier League to pay tribute to Israel-Gaza victims

By Can Erozden

The English Premier League said Thursday it will commemorate the victims of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"As a mark of respect for all those affected, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at the fixtures taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October," it said in a statement.

"The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians," it said and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

"The League will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support the aid efforts helping those in urgent need," the league added.

More than 1,400 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis have been killed since the start of the conflict on Saturday.

It began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air. Hamas said the offensive was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that electricity, water and fuel will not be provided to Gaza until all hostages held by Hamad are freed.