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    Israeli football team forced to train in SECRET ahead of France clash amid fears of anti-Semitic bloodshed in Paris

    ISRAEL have been forced to train in a secret location ahead of their controversial Nations League clash with France this week.Some 4,000 police, many of them armed, have been drafted in to provide security for a Stade de France crowd of barely 20,000 in Paris.The Israel national team has been forced to train in a secret hotel in France due to safety concernsCredit: RexFrench police stand outside the Stade de France stadium prior to Israel’s behind closed doors training sessionCredit: EPASAS-style special force RAID officers and up to 6,000 other cops are all scheduled to be on duty for the high-risk game – representing one officer for every three fans inside the ground.The high-alert security approach was already planned even before last week’s shocking scenes in Amsterdam around Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League game at Ajax.Disturbing footage showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of the Dutch capital by an anti-Semitic mob last Thursday. This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.read more in footballAnd events in the Netherlands have only ramped up the need for special measures further in wake of rising anti-Semitic bloodshed in Europe. One of these precautions saw the Israel team being confined to their undisclosed hotel in the Val d’Oise region to the north of the capital.Constant armed guards were at the base and accompanied the players and staff to their training site on Tuesday.Authorities demanded the location be kept under wraps and all media activities were cancelled.Most read in FootballParis police chief Laurent Nuñez said security around the game was of extreme concern for the authorities.He said: “There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us.”There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium.”Inside Paris’ ‘patchwork of steel’ security op with AI surveillance, 45,000 cops & drones for most guarded Olympics everIsraeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency, will also be inside the stadium on Thursday.Many fans have stayed away with the Israeli government telling supporters to “categorically avoid attending” the match.Addressing the anticipated low attendance, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano said: “I can understand why people do not want to come. It’s their choice. “We will fight on the pitch and aim to win this match. “This week we saw November 11. I love peace and hope that someday we will achieve it in every country. “Regardless of our religion or where we come from, we all want peace.”French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Specialist RAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk eventOfficials have announced there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capitalCredit: GettyRioters run through the streets amid disturbing clashes in Amsterdam between Israelis and an anti-Semitic mobCredit: REXMany people have called for the game to be moved to a neutral venue but Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, said it was hugely important that the game went ahead in Paris.He said: “I think that for a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up.”The RAID has been active since the Israeli team set foot on French soil, and they will be in the stadium.”The French government say they are determined to push ahead with the match as it will mark the two year anniversary of the 2015 terror attacks.ISIS thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing evening. French FA chief Philippe Diallo insisted it would have been “unthinkable” for the match to be cancelled.Israel’s manager Ran Ben Shimon has told the press he and the team feel safe.France has already answered calls for tightened security around Israeli athletes after the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year.They deployed a widely successful “ring of steel” around the Games to ensure safety after several declarations of violence from terror group ISIS and anti-Israel parties.It became the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed.Israel’s sporting calendar has been thrown into chaos since the war kicked off last October.Many of their games have been played at neutral venues due to fears over public safety.SAS-style RAID special forces are being deployed across Paris ahead of the France vs Israel matchCredit: AFPFrench cops surrounded the stadium ahead of Thursday’s clashCredit: EPAIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyBelgium, who are scheduled to play Israel on Sunday following the France clash, have already made the match be moved to Hungary.Israeli FA chief Shino Moshe Zuares added: “This is a very complex period for us. But we know what we represent, and we are proud to represent our country. “The events in Amsterdam only strengthen us, and we will not let hate and ignorance defeat us. “I am concerned and worried but we will face the situation and emerge stronger.”Away from the football, another Israeli-linked security fear comes in the form of a pro-Palestinian march.Thousands are expected to take to the streets of Paris on Wednesday – a day before the football clash – to demonstrate against a controversial pro-Israel gala.The “Israel is Forever” gala was originally set to be attended by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich but he has since pulled out.Several controversial figures linked to Israel’s far-Right are expected to show – making life difficult for cops.Police chief Nuñez spoke on the gala and said: “A gala in a closed place is not a demonstration on the public road, so it is more complicated for a prefect to ban it.”I considered that there was no risk of disturbing public order but we will be attentive to the comments made and I can potentially take legal action.”An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media reads: “Holding this gala in the French capital constitutes an insult to international law and contempt for the United Nations and for the orders issued by the highest international court.”A counter-demonstration has also been announced and is expected to attract up to 8,000 people.Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic violence has surged globally.It has been fuelled by heightened geopolitical tensions and polarising public discourse around the war.This escalation is marked by an alarming rise in physical attacks, threats, and hate speech targeting Jewish communities.In Europe, reports of antisemitism have spiked, with attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals intensifying.Countries like Germany and France have seen notable incidents of physical violence and vandalism.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Germany, synagogues were firebombed, and Jewish youth sports teams have reported attacks, reflecting a growing climate of fear.Public spaces associated with Jewish identity, including schools and cemeteries, have also required heightened police protection.Members of the RAID deescalating a situation in FranceCredit: AFPA match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    Paris braces for France v Israel with SAS-style special forces & ‘1 cop per 3 fans’ as anti-Semitic chaos sweeps Europe

    FRANCE are set to take on Israel in a huge Nations League clash this week with Paris bracing for dangerous anti-Semitic chaos. SAS-style special forces are being deployed across the city ahead of Thursday’s game with officials announcing there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capital.SAS-style RAID special forces are being deployed across Paris ahead of the France vs Israel matchCredit: AFPOfficials have announced there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capitalCredit: GettySecurity concerns ahead of the match are already mounting with Paris’ police chief labelling it as a “high-risk event”.The fears have drastically ramped up in recent days after disturbing footage showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of Amsterdam by an anti-Semitic mob.Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed by masked rioters in the Dutch city as they left the Johan Cruyff stadium last Thursday.This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.read more in football fearsWith the international break now underway, Israel’s national side are due to play France away in Paris before travelling to play against Belgium on Sunday.The match against Belgium has already faced intense scrutiny with it being moved to a neutral venue in Hungary due to safety fears.Despite France agreeing to host the 81st ranked international side in their capital a number of security measures have been put in place.SAS-style special forces and up to 6,000 other officers are all scheduled to be on duty for the high-risk game at the Stade de France.Most read in FootballOrganisers have told The Sun that they are struggling to sell tickets due to issues around Israel with the Middle Eastern conflict – with less than 15,000 seats reserved so far.France’s elite RAID tactical unit are believed to be the first line of defence at the game and have been deployed following the violence in Amsterdam.Inside Paris’ ‘patchwork of steel’ security op with AI surveillance, 45,000 cops & drones for most guarded Olympics everParis police chief Laurent Nuñez said security at the game was of extreme concern for the authorities. He said: “There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us.”There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium.”RAID – which stands for Search, Assistance, Intervenion, Deterrence – will be in the stadium, he confirmed.The RAID was one of the first special forces units rushed to the scene when ISIS suicide bombers attacked Paris in November 2015.Terrorist thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing night.Israeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency, will also be inside the stadium.French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Many people have called for the game to be moved to a neutral venue but Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, said it was hugely important that the game went ahead in Paris.Rioters run through the streets amid disturbing clashes in Amsterdam between Israelis and an anti-Semitic mobCredit: RexRAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk event’Credit: AFPIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyHe said: “I think that for a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up.”The RAID has been active since the Israeli team set foot on French soil, and they will be in the stadium.”The Israel team arrived in France on Wednesday but have been forced to train and stay at secret locations on the outskirts of Paris.Manager Ran Ben Shimon has told the press he and the team feel safe.France has already answered calls for tightened security around Israeli athletes after the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year.They deployed a widely successful “ring of steel” around the Games to ensure safety after several declarations of violence from terror group ISIS and anti-Israel parties.It became the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed.Just this week, a Jewish football team was placed under police protection after it was “attacked” by a knife-wielding pro-Palestinian mob in Berlin.Teens from Makkabi Berlin’s youth team claim they were “hunted down” by a group of Arab youngsters after a game against local rivals.One player’s dad claimed that his son was “deeply shaken” when he came back home from the game.The boy was allegedly spat at and later harassed by a mob of kids and adults who followed the squad off the pitch with sticks and knives. There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for usLaurent NuñezParis police chief Away from the football, another Israeli-linked security fear comes in the form of a pro-Palestinian march.Thousands are expected to take to the streets of Paris on Wednesday – a day before the football clash – to demonstrate against a controversial pro-Israel gala.The “Israel is Forever” gala was originally set to be attended by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich but he has since pulled out.Several controversial figures linked to Israel’s far-Right are expected to show – making life difficult for cops.Police chief Nuñez spoke on the gala and said: “A gala in a closed place is not a demonstration on the public road, so it is more complicated for a prefect to ban it.”I considered that there was no risk of disturbing public order but we will be attentive to the comments made and I can potentially take legal action.”An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media reads: “Holding this gala in the French capital constitutes an insult to international law and contempt for the United Nations and for the orders issued by the highest international court.”A counter-demonstration has also been announced and is expected to attract up to 8,000 people.Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic violence has surged globally.It has been fuelled by heightened geopolitical tensions and polarising public discourse around the war.This escalation is marked by an alarming rise in physical attacks, threats, and hate speech targeting Jewish communities.In Europe, reports of antisemitism have spiked, with attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals intensifying.Countries like Germany and France have seen notable incidents of physical violence and vandalism.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Germany, synagogues were firebombed, and Jewish youth sports teams have reported attacks, reflecting a growing climate of fear.Public spaces associated with Jewish identity, including schools and cemeteries, have also required heightened police protection.A match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega AgencySoldiers patrolling the River Seine at the OlympicsCredit: APMembers of the RAID deescalating a situation in FranceCredit: AFP More

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    ‘High chance’ of terror attack at Euros with threats on ‘all fronts’, German intel chief warns amid mammoth security op

    GERMANY has been bracing itself for a potential terror attack at Euro 2024 amid a mammoth security op due to possible threats on “all fronts”.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a “high chance” of a terror attack at the tournament with a number of major security concerns already taking place.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a ‘high chance’ of a terror attack at Euro 2024Credit: EPAInside the International Cooperation Center in Germany where the security crackdown is being navigated from amid a ‘high chance’ of an attackCredit: GettyOver 22,000 federal cops have been deployed across Germany to deal with any potential threatCredit: GettyA man in Hamburg was seen with an axe before a game earlier in the tournamentCredit: ReutersA pitch invader managed to get onto the pitch in the Romania versus Ukraine match on June 17Credit: ReutersIf any attacks are being planned Mr Haldenwang says the main threats could come from Islamic extremists or those with strong links to the raging war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.The president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution pinpointed ISIS splinter cell ISIS-K as the main “focus of attention” for any potential concerns.Since the October 7 massacre in Gaza, terror levels have soared across Europe with security groups being on high alert at almost every major event. With the Euros welcoming hundreds of thousands of fans each day to Germany, Haldenwang and his team put special measures in place to combat any threats.read more in Euro 2024Police around the country were told they couldn’t take leave during the summer of football with the federal cops deploying over 22,000 extra officers.The monumental move is the biggest mobilisation in the organisation’s history.A total of 580 international officers have also been drafted in to make up specialist security units. All of those officers are expected to be on hand for each day of the month-long event monitoring transport, fan zones and tourist hotspots. Most read in Euro 2024Cops from across the continent have also been urged to help out Germany by staying alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations before they enter.UEFA, European football’s governing body, expects over 2.7 million fans to rock up to Germany across ten cities.Turkey vs Georgia Euro 2024 clash at risk of postponement as TWO waterfalls flood from roof and violence breaks outBefore the tournament got underway, security expert Will Geddes told The Sun about Germany’s plan to use a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks.The UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a “wide spectrum of potential risks and issues” amid a “very high level of risk” from ISIS, he warned.Will explained that the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.Crowds will be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI, the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers, he said.Euro 2024 security worries
    PITCH INVASION
    On Monday 17, a fan managed to run on the pitch before being dragged off by security in Romania’s 3-0 thumping of Ukraine.
    The supporter, who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, appeared from the stand behind the goal before a Ukraine corner.
    He managed to get to Romanian star Nicolae Stanciu, but was swiftly whisked away by stewards.
    CLASH IN THE STANDS
    Turkey’s Euro 2024 clash with Georgia descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands as water poured from the roof.
    Footage from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund showed rain from a storm drenching seats by the pitch.
    Around the same time, crowd violence began to erupt inside the ground between the two sets of fans.
    Objects were reportedly thrown between two sections as fighting ensued.
    The scene was described as “absolute bedlam” by journalist Daniel Storey with fears the game could be suspended.
    A small section of supporters from both sides could be seen throwing punches and pushing.
    CRAZED AXEMAN
    Last week, shocking footage showed a man with a golden pickaxe walking towards cops with a Molotov cocktail.
    Police were forced to draw their guns and deploy pepper spray moments before the suspect was arrested on the streets of Hamburg.
    The Reeperbahn strip, not far from where thousands of Dutch supporters were gathering to watch their match against Poland, was quickly closed off to the public.
    ARRESTING TERROR SUSPECTS
    Pre-tournament German cops announced that they had arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist while he was trying to sneak his way into the Euros.
    Anti-terror investigators caught Soufian T, 23, who is said to have applied to get a pass as a security guard for “side events” outside the football stadium.
    Cops from the Cologne police department, along with investigators from the Bonn State Security Service and federal police, arrested the German-Moroccan-Polish citizen with his mother and sister at Cologne-Bonn Airport.
    TRANSPORT CHAOS
    Organisers of the Euros have already been heavily criticised during the early stages of the tournament amid transport chaos.
    Following England’s win over Serbia on Sunday, some Three Lions fans were stranded in Gelsenkirchen for up to THREE HOURS.
    Bogestra, responsible for transport in Gelsenkirchen, claimed that “it is normal to wait” when 50,000 people are trying to get home.
    They added that their concept “worked overall”, and that their target was to get everybody transported within two hours of the final whistle.
    Bogestra also claimed that social media “overrated” the issues, and that it is “impossible” to have all fans moved within an hour.
    They alleged that fans used emergency brakes before the game, which led to some of the delays.

    Working with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, Will’s team have seen ISIS make “very specific references to Germany”.The prolific death cult has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser told 350 foreign cops dispatched to help ahead of the event that the focus of security will be “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.It has also been revealed that fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” during the tournament have been urged to say “Panama” to police or staff to get help.Competition organisers in Gelsenkirchen – where England faced Serbia on Sunday – sent out the message to fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESUpon hearing the word Panama staff are meant to “immediately offer the possibility of a place to retreat”.There is also a specialist Panama team at games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.’Acute’ terrorist threat across Europe
    By Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
    THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
    Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
    Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
    Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
    The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
    Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
    The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

    An ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German train with a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Europe’Credit: ISISAnother pitch invader was seen on the pitch in the Ukraine match going up to playersCredit: AFPRiot police have been spotted across the country keeping a close eye on football fans in case of any security breachesCredit: Getty More

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    Fury as footie fan spotted wearing Man Utd shirt with ‘Hamas 7’ printed on back

    A FOOTIE fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked fury.A Jewish man saw the top worn in London’s Oxford Circus on Friday — a day before the team won the FA Cup final.A football fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked furyCredit: SWNSA witness fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7Credit: SWNSThe witness, who wants to remain anonymous, fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7 which killed 1,139.He said: “It was un­believable. I followed the man for two minutes and took photos.“I think he was aware but didn’t seem to care.”He doubted Hamas was the fan’s name.READ MORE ON MAN UNITEDIt is illegal to show support for the banned group.Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer.Man Utd does not allow political slogans on its shirts.Hamas is a prescribed terrorist organisation in the UK, and was responsible for killing 1,139 people and taking 250 Israeli hostages on October 7, 2023.Most read in FootballMembership and expressing support for Hamas is an illegal act in the UK and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “On Friday, 24 May police received a call from a member of the public reporting that a man was walking in Oxford Street, W1 wearing a football shirt with an offensive message on it.’Palestine will never die’ Anti-Israel demos rock cities across US with 100 protesters arrested”Enquiries are under way to try and identify the man.”Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer, snapped at London’s Oxford CircusCredit: SWNS More

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    Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel charged in Turkey after goal celebration marks 100 days since Hamas terror attack

    TURKISH authorities have charged Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel with inciting hatred after he marked 100 days since Hamas’ October 7 attacks during a match on Sunday.Jehezkel, 28, could face deportation after Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc dubbed the act an “ugly gesture”.
    Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel – displaying a bandage that read ‘100 days 7.10’Credit: AFP
    Jehezkel is a midfielder for Turkish club AntalyasporCredit: AP
    After scoring a goal the footballer displayed a bandage on his wrist which read “100 days 7.10” in reference to the grim milestone in the Israel-Hamas war.
    He was then arrested and later charged with “openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility”.
    Antalyaspor said they had terminated his contract and booted him from the team following the display during Sunday’s match.
    Tunc said on Sunday that Jehezkel, who plays for Turkish club Antalyaspor, had performed an “ugly gesture in support of the Israeli massacre in Gaza”.
    Reports suggest he has since been released from police custody but could be deported to Israel.
    The player told Antalyaspor officials he was calling for an end to the war.
    He said: “I decided to make a humanitarian tribute to the Israeli hostages in Gaza.
    “It was important for me to emphasize that they have been in captivity for 100 days.
    Most read in Football
    “I had no intention to provoke or express a stance on the matter. I understand the sensitivity in Turkey; it was purely a tribute.”
    There is widespread opposition in Turkey to Israel’s actions in Gaza, as the international community has called for Netanyahu to ease military action in the war-torn Strip.
    The Turkish Football Federation dubbed it a gesture that “disturbed the conscience” of the public.
    Jehezkel’s arrest sparked outrage in Israel, with former Israeli PM Naftali Bennet writing on X/Twitter: “Shame on you, Turkish government”.
    And Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant has accused Turkey of acting as the “executive arm of Hamas” following the decision.
    He dubbed the move an “expression of hypocrisy and ingratitude”.
    “When the earth shook in Turkey less than a year ago, Israel was the first country to stand up and extend aid that saved the lives of many Turkish citizens,” Gallant said, referring the earthquake in Turkey and Syria last year.
    “The scandalous arrest of the footballer Sagiv Jehezkel is an expression of hypocrisy and ingratitude.
    “In its actions, Turkey serves as the executive arm of Hamas.”
    Television channel NTV said he is expected to return to Israel today with his family on a private jet.
    DHA said he told Turkish cops he is “not pro-war”, but that he wants the war to end.
    Jehezkel also added: “Throughout my time in Turkey, I never expressed any stance on the matter.
    “When the club’s officials informed me about a ceremony commemorating the casualties in Gaza before a match in Gaziantep and allowed me not to attend, I stayed in Antalya, and everything was fine.
    “In essence, I drew half a heart and wrote the number 100. It wasn’t intended as a provocation; quite the opposite.
    !It’s about empathy for captives who have been there for so many days. I insisted throughout my time to stay focused solely on soccer.”
    Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz also said: “Whoever arrests a football player for a show of solidarity with 136 captives who are more than 100 days with the terrorists of a murderous terrorist organization, represents a culture of murder and hate.”
    As Sunday marked 100 days since Hamas’ brutal October 7 attacks, Israel released a huge amount of data on its efforts to wipe out the terror organisation.
    It said over 9,000 Hamas terrorists had been killed since October 7, along with around 1,000 terrorists inside Israel.
    Meanwhile the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has said that over 23,000 Palestinian civilians have died during the war.
    Israel disputes these figures, while US President Joe Biden previously said he had “no confidence” in them.
    But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that Israel has “not been successful” in reducing civilian casualties.
    Israel has faced repeated international calls to relent in it’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Calls from the UN for a ceasefire have been echoed by religious leaders including the Pope and even it’s staunchest ally, the US, has warned caution.
    But Israeli forces have said that months of fighting lie ahead. More

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    Stadium on high alert as Israel prepares to take on Kosovo in Euro 2024 qualifier in first match since Gaza war

    ISRAEL’S footballers are on high alert as they gear up for their Euro 2024 qualifier clash with Kosovo as calls grow to cancel the match.It would Israel’s first international fixture since its war with Hamas broke out over a month ago and local police are fearful of possible security threats.
    Israel’s players applaud their fans at the end of the Euro 2024 qualifying soccer match in SeptemberCredit: AP
    The game will be their first international fixture post the October 7 attacksCredit: AFP
    Local police are on high-alert for possible incidents erupting over Israeli’s military campaign in GazaCredit: EPA
    Police in Kosovo’s capital of Pristina said that they have been “increasing security measures” so that the game “goes as smoothly as other sport events”.
    Dozens of messages criticising Israel’s military campaign in Gaza are circulating across social media under the hashtag #BabyKillersAreNotWelcomedHere.
    Kosovo authorities have already tightened security around Sunday’s game by announcing that each of the 14,000 tickets will be personalised.
    This means that only fans that present both tickets and their ID cards will be allowed into the Fadil Vokrri stadium.
    read more on israel-hamas war
    The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) also admitted that they considered holding the game in an empty stadium over security reasons.
    “After the meeting with UEFA, the decision was made to play the game with spectators,” Agim Ademi, the chairman of the FFK said.
    The official Kosovo national team fan group called Dardanet has urged the crowd to focus on “support of our national team” and pleaded with them not to indulge in offensive chants.
    “By respecting the rules, we respect our country,” Dardanet said in a statement.
    Most read in Football
    The game was originally scheduled to take place on October 15 but was postponed due to the October 7 attacks when Hamas terrorists poured over the border into Israel and slaughtered 1,200 Israelis.
    More than 11,000 Palestinians – many of them children – have since been killed across the Gaza Strip in Israel’s retaliatory bombardments and ground offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
    After the conflict began, several marches in support of Palestinians in Gaza were organised in Pristina, while Israeli victims were also honoured.
    Although a vast majority of Kosovo’s citizens are Muslim, it considers itself the most pro-US state in the world and firmly follows its most important ally’s foreign policy.
    In 2016, Kosovo police helped thwart potential simultaneous attacks from the Islamic State terror group on the Israeli football squad that was playing World Cup qualifiers in Kosovo and Albania.
    Nineteen people were detained, while eight ended up behind bars for up to 10 years.
    Israel are currently third in Euro 2024 qualifying Group I, five points behind leaders Romania, and retain a good chance of making it through to next year’s finals in Germany.
    Following the clash in Pristina, Israel will play second-placed Switzerland next Wednesday and Romania on Saturday.
    Kosovo are four points further back in fourth.
    Meanwhile in the UK, the Met police are bracing themselves for possible confrontations erupting during this weekend’s remembrance commemorations.
    The Cenotaph war memorial will be kept under a 24-hour police guard for the first time as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appealed for calm.
    Read More on The Sun
    Sunak last night urged everyone to “stand together in quiet reflection” and said the weekend should be about “the selfless bravery of our armed forces”.
    The Met have drafted in 1,000 extra officers as they fear extreme right-wing groups are planning to square up to the 100,000 expected pro-Palestine demonstrators in central London.
    The stadium has put in extra security measures to hamper any threatsCredit: Getty
    Tens of thousands are on the move in northern Gaza as they flee the intense fightingCredit: Getty
    Entire neighbourhoods inside the Strip have been levelled by Israel’s bombardmentCredit: AFP
    More than 11,000 are said to have been killed in Gaza including over 4000 childrenCredit: AFP More