The all-India wheat production is projedted at 110.65 million tonnes, slightly above the 109.63 million tonnes produced in 2024-25, after factoring in recent weather damage, The Agriwatch Annual Wheat Survey for 2025-26 has said. New Delhi: The Union Government has raised its wheat procurement
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has launched in India at Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom) with up to 792 km range, 800V fast-charging tech, multiple variants and features to improve long-distance EV usability. The Mercedes-Benz India has launched the CLA Electric at Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom)
Apple could be working on a quad-curved display for its 20th Edition iPhone that could debut in September next year. The phone could run on A21 Pro processor while packing an all-glass design While the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is just months away
Youtuber Salim Wastik arrested for 1995 kidnap-murder: How he was nabbed after 31 yearsThe case pertains of the kidnapping and murder of a 13-year-old son of a businessman in 1995. Updated on: Apr 25, 2026 5:05 PM IST Written by Majid Alam Share via Copy link A man wanted for a 1995 murder of a
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has flagged off its Vikram-1 rocket for India's first privately built orbital mission, targeting a June launch. The 23-meter rocket, developed over four years, aims to validate performance and gather flight data
Palestinian children's football pitch faces Israeli demolition ultimatum
Palestinian children's football pitch faces Israeli demolition ultimatum
A Palestinian children's football club in the occupied West Bank faces imminent demolition despite an international campaign to save it. Its supporters say it provides a rare sporting opportunity for young Palestinian players.
But Israel insists it's been built without the necessary permits.
In this deeply divided land so much is contested; from the identities and faiths of the people who live here, to every inch of the ground they stand on.
Recently, that has come to include one small patch of artificial turf laid down under the shadow of the giant concrete wall that isolates Israel from much of the occupied West Bank.
In the context of the 7 October attacks, the two-year war in Gaza and the fragility of the current ceasefire, there are without doubt far more pressing issues.
But this is a story freighted with symbolism and one which has drawn outsized international attention because of its connection to that other world religion - football.
On the day we visit, a group of Palestinian children are lining up to take penalty shots in the winter sunshine.
The construction of the pitch began here on the edge of Bethlehem in 2020, and today it provides a place to practice for more than 200 young players from the nearby Aida refugee camp.
The cramped and crowded streets contain the homes of the descendants of Palestinian families who were forced or who fled from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
On 3 November last year, as the children made their short walk from the camp for that day's training, they found a notice pinned to the gate of the football field declaring it to be illegal.
The notice was followed soon by a demolition order.
"We don't have anywhere else to play," 10-year-old Naya told me, wearing a Brazil shirt with the name of the footballing legend Neymar emblazoned on the back.
We are building our dreams here," she said. "If they demolish our field, they will demolish our dreams.
I asked another young player, Mohammed, what his reaction was when he heard the news that the club was earmarked for destruction.
I was upset," he told me. "This is a field I really care for.
The community has fought back, posting videos on social media, launching a petition attracting hundreds of thousands of signatures, and receiving messages of international support.
The club says that after representations from a lawyer it was recently given a seven-day reprieve.
But that extension expired on Monday, leaving it with a difficult choice.
As is common practice in such cases, the club owners must either demolish the pitch themselves or wait for the Israeli authorities to do it forcibly, after which they'll be presented with the bill.
The looming presence of the wall, which runs along the length of one of the touchlines, is just one of the many complex layers that underpin the Israeli occupation of the territory that Palestinians want as the basis for a future state.
Militarily, Israel exerts control over the entirety of the West Bank.
But administrative control – its day-to-day governance – is divided between a patchwork of Palestinian-run areas and Israeli-run ones.
The maps on which those distinctions are based were drawn up as a key part of the Oslo Accords, signed in the 1990s by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
The West Bank was split into three categories of territory.
Areas A and B were pockets of land over which the Palestinian Authority was given civil control.
In those marked as Area A, Palestinians were also given nominal security control.
Area C – more than 60% of the total – was to remain temporarily under full Israeli control.
The idea was that it would eventually be gradually transferred to Palestinian self-rule as the negotiations continued.
While that never happened, with both sides blaming each other for the failure of the peace process, the maps remain the basis for much of how the West Bank is governed today.
Bethlehem itself is designated as Area A.
But the maps show Israel exercising Area C civil authority over much of the surrounding countryside, right up the city's edge.
Israel began building its concrete barrier in the early 2000s in the face of a wave of deadly suicide bombings and other attacks carried out by Palestinians which killed hundreds of Israelis.
Critics claim that today, as it has grown in length, the wall has become a tool for punishing many thousands of ordinary Palestinians, separating them from their workplaces, dividing their communities and effectively annexing parts of their land.
But what's now in contention in Bethlehem is a tiny, narrow patch of ground on the Palestinian side of the wall.
For the residents of the Aida camp looking for space to build a football field, it was just large enough to accommodate their needs.
But for Israel it remains – and is marked on the maps – as part of Area C, even though the construction of the wall has left it marooned on the Bethlehem side.
Satellite photos show that the space was vacant in 2019 and then, year by year, the pitch can be seen beginning to take shape, fitting in snuggly right up against the wall.
The demolition order argues that it was built without the necessary permissions on a plot of land over which Israel still asserts full civil control.
For Palestinians, there is no small irony in the fact that they're being denied the right to build a small football pitch on the boundary of their city, inside the wall that fences them in.
While turning down permission for their buildings and demolishing existing ones, Israel continues to approve the construction of vast new Israeli settlements across Area C, which are considered illegal under international law.
Last September, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed an agreement to push ahead with a major and highly controversial settlement that will house 20,000 Israelis.
Located between occupied East Jerusalem and the already existing settlement of Maale Adumim, if completed it would effectively cut the West Bank in half which, Palestinians say, will all but destroy their aspirations for nationhood.
The Israeli government agrees.
There will be no Palestinian state," Netanyahu said at the signing ceremony. "This place belongs to us.
Some of his ministers speak openly of the full annexation of the West Bank.
In Bethlehem, the football club – which claims it did receive verbal permission in 2020 for the pitch – believes the threat of demolition is about far more than planning law.
"The Israelis don't want us to have any kind of hope, they don't want us to have any opportunity," Mohammad Abu Srour, one of the board members of the Aida Youth Centre, told me.
The idea, he suggested, was to make life deliberately hard.
The moment that we lose hope and opportunity we are going to leave. This is the only explanation for us.
We approached the Israeli body that manages civilian affairs in the West Bank for comment.
Although the demolition order was issued on its behalf, we were referred instead to the Israeli military, which oversees its work.
The IDF gave us the following statement.
"Along the security fence, there is a confiscation order and a prohibition on construction; therefore, the construction in the area was carried out unlawfully," it said.
As they wait to see what happens next, the children of Aida hope that the international attention might be enough to sway the authorities' minds.
But for now, as the wider conflict grinds on, the future of one small football pitch is hanging in the balance.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Ex-Palestinian Basketball Player Dies In Israeli Strike Days After Death Of ‘Palestinian Pelé Trump, top aides asked Netanyahu to change policy in occupied West Bank In West Bank, Palestinian recognition welcomed despite fears of Israeli annexation Israeli troops kill 2 suspected Palestinian attackers in West Bank Israeli forces kill Palestinian men in West Bank after they appear to surrender Israeli forces kill Palestinian couple and two of their children in occupied West Bank HDFC Bank Vs ICICI Bank Vs Yes Bank Q4 Results HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank to announce quarterly earnings on this date Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian warehouse and land as West Bank attacks surge Violent protests end as agreement reached in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
From Lahore to Asian Tour, Ahmad Baig flies solo for Pakistan golfPakistani golfer Ahmad Baig excels at the International Series in Singapore, overcoming challenges of isolation and logistics as he pursues his dream. Published on: Apr 25, 2026 3:56 PM IST By Shantanu Srivastava Share via Copy link
1 days ago
Sanjay Dutt’s fans were in for a treat as the Bollywood actor announced his new film, Khalnayak Returns, on Friday. The film offers a fresh take on the 1993 blockbuster ‘Khalnayak’ starring Dutt, Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff in lead roles. Now, with the sequel announcement after 33 years
1 days ago
Union Finance Minister on Saturday urged all entities in the to be 'exceptionally vigilant' on .Without naming , the newly minted platform from leading AI company Anthropic, Sitharaman said artificial intelligence tools are making cyberattacks faster and more adaptive
1 days ago
BJP's ‘Sheesh Mahal’ jibe at Kejriwal isn't new. Here's how row 2.0 emergedWhile the AAP denied allegations and questioned the veracity of photos shared by BJP, it was Delhi minister Parvesh Verma who took the lead in the attack Updated on: Apr 25
1 days ago
First-word problems: What did the earliest writers write about?A new book explores ancient letters about kings, pleas for help from a bereft mother, classroom exercises and ancient doodles – all dating to before 1500 BCE. Published on: Apr 25
1 days ago
Salman Khan, who is preparing for Maatrubhumi, has confirmed that his collaboration with Dil Raju, SVC63, featuring Nayanthara, is set to release in 2027. This project signifies an important partnership with Telugu film producer Dil Raju and director Vamshi Paidipally
1 days ago
If you have been struggling to build a consistent, feel-good morning routine, Samantha Ruth Prabhu may have just shared the reset you need. The actor swears by a simple yet powerful 8-step morning routine that, when followed for 21 days, can help reduce inflammation, calm your nervous system
1 days ago
Former Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha on Saturday launched her party Telangana Rashtra Sena. The name of the new party echoes the former name of Bharath Rashtra Samithi, which was earlier called Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Kavitha’s announcement came months after she resigned from the
1 days ago
Rahul Gandhi addressed an election rally in Serampore. He stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both help the rich. Gandhi claimed Modi sells the country and spreads hatred. He contrasted this with Congress's ideology of unity and brotherhood
1 days ago
Deloitte will cut parental leave, PTO, pension accruals and IVF-related benefits for some US employees from 2027, as part of a broader restructuring and benefits overhaul. Deloitte is set to cut several employee benefits for a section of its US workforce starting January 1, 2027
1 days ago
Social activist Anna Hazare said the exit of Raghav Chadha and six other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs could have been avoided if the party had followed the “right” path. Speaking to reporters in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra, Hazare said
1 days ago
America has frozen 344 million dollars in cryptocurrency assets. These funds are linked to Iran. This action aims to increase pressure on Tehran. Energy supplies are disrupted due to the war in the Middle East. The Treasury Department vows to degrade Iran's ability to move funds
1 days ago
X’s standalone messaging app, XChat, was rolled out to the public on Friday. The app is currently available on iOS devices and lets users connect with their X contacts for messaging, file sharing, audio and video calls, and group chats.Taking to X, lead designer Benji Taylor said
1 days ago
Republicans are adjusting their strategy for upcoming midterm elections. They aim to use President Trump's ability to mobilize voters without making the elections about his unpopularity. The focus will shift to promoting tax cuts and inflation-fighting policies
1 days ago
‘I just want to go back’: Indian woman in Dublin says missing cousin’s wedding is real cost of living abroadAn Indian woman in Dublin said missing her cousin’s wedding in India showed the real emotional cost of living abroad. Updated on: Apr 25
1 days ago
In an alternate universe: How will the Mandela Effect evolve, in the age of AI?Long before software manipulation, people were ‘remembering’ things that hadn’t happened. Could studying how this works help us frame a way forward? Updated on: Apr 25
1 days ago
![New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out on Saturday in the Majlis Park forest area in the national capital on Saturday](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/fire-breaks-out-in-majlis-park-forest-area-in-delhi.webp?height=520)
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out on Saturday in the Majlis Park forest area in the national capital on Saturday. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot, and efforts are underway to bring the blaze under control. Just hours earlier
1 days ago
![New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out in a tent warehouse in the Jyoti Nagar area of the national capital on Saturday](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/fire-in-tent-warehouse-in-delhi-s-jyoti-nagar.webp?height=520)
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out in a tent warehouse in the Jyoti Nagar area of the national capital on Saturday. Fire tenders are present at the scene, and efforts are underway to douse the flames. Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Delhi Fire Service MK Chattopadhyay said the fire
1 days ago
David Wilcock’s chilling 911 call reveal final moments, financial struggles: ‘I’m sorry to put you…'David Wilcock, 53, known for his UFO theories, died after battling depression and financial issues. A 911 call revealed his struggles before his death. Updated on: Apr 25
1 days ago
Apple’s new boss needs to restore its magic for the AI eraThe elevation of John Ternus hints at the future direction of the company Updated on: Apr 25, 2026 5:07 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link JOHN TERNUS, named by Apple on April 20th as its new chief executive
1 days ago
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha, the most loved couple in town, continue to win hearts with their adorable bond and frequent public appearances together. Her politician husband has been hitting headlines ever since he announced his exit from the Aam Aadmi Party and his entry in the Bharatiya
1 days ago
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on a revised framework for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), the system behind digital wallets and prepaid cards. On Wednesday, the apex bank proposed a set of measures aimed at supporting their long-term growth
1 days ago
Woman shares how she found a PG in Bengaluru without stepping out: ‘Search, call, shortlist’A woman shared how she found a PG in Bengaluru from home and offered a simple three step guide for newcomers. Published on: Apr 25, 2026 3:19 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A
1 days ago
The Congress on Saturday (April 25, 2026) came out in solidarity with its leader, Pawan Khera and said the verdict of the Gauhati High Court rejecting his anticipatory bail petition would be challenged in the Supreme Court. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh expressed
1 days ago
Delhi Weather: Several parts of north India, including Delhi, are facing heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 40°C in most of the parts. The mercury may rise further by up to 3 degrees Celsius by April 29. Delhi Weather: Delhi witnessed intense heatwave conditions on Friday as the
1 days ago
Think that silver coin in your locker is a solid investment? You might want to double-check. The latest scam happened with Vaishno Devi Temple Trust, which had accumulated nearly 20 tonnes of silver coins offered by devotees over the years. Expecting a payout of over ₹500 crore
1 days ago
CBSE Three Language Policy: With only one foreign language allowed, most parents and students are choosing English, leaving almost no demand for languages like German or French. Under the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new three-language policy
1 days ago
![Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], April 25 (ANI): Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma is just 26 runs away from surpassing Kane](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/abhishek-sharma-just-26-runs-away-from-becoming-third-highest-run-scor.webp?width=120&height=70)
