Israel's national football team wore black armbands during their Nations League match against Ireland on Sunday to commemorate the victims of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
The armbands bore the inscription "7.10," signifying the date of the Hamas-led assault. This gesture followed a week of heightened tensions, including a prior match where Irish players observed a moment of silence and did not engage in customary handshakes with the Israeli team, in protest of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli Football Association confirmed that the request to wear the armbands had received approval from UEFA, European football's governing body.
The October 7 attack resulted in the deadliest violence in Israeli history, claiming 1,221 lives, according to official Israeli figures. Israel's subsequent military offensive in Gaza has led to widespread destruction and, according to Gaza's health ministry, over 74,200 fatalities.
The two Nations League fixtures between Ireland and Israel have been a source of controversy in Ireland, a nation with a long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. The Football Association of Ireland has cited security concerns as the reason for refusing to host Israel, in line with boycott calls. These matches have taken place outside of Israel due to ongoing security risks associated with the war in Gaza.
The initial match, held in Hungary, saw Ireland defeat Israel 3-0 after a complex build-up that included the Irish goalkeeper's withdrawal from the game. The preceding press conference also experienced disruption, with questions arising about a recent aerial incident involving a flight bound for Tel Aviv.
