His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth, expressed his pleasure at meeting the Palestinian national team delegation yesterday, Sunday, affirming the deep and special place that Palestine holds in the hearts of Qataris and Arabs.

During his visit to the Al-Fida’i delegation at their place of residence, he said: “We welcome you to your second home, Qatar. Palestine, for us, is a great value that we cannot truly explain, and the Arab people—especially those residing in Qatar—have a very deep love for Palestine.”

He added that the Qatari fans showed strong sympathy and support for the Palestinian national team during the opening match, even though it was against the Qatari team, congratulating Al-Fida’i on their outstanding technical performance.

He continued: “I am proud of the Palestinian national team despite all the circumstances. If you continue to perform at this level, you will be a formidable contender in the tournament, and I would not rule out seeing you as one of the two finalists.” He also emphasized that Palestinian players in Qatar enjoy all the rights that enable them to practice football in this Arab country.

For his part, Major General Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association, said that the national team is honored to receive His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, praising the unique sporting model presented by Qatar in managing the sports movement, whether through hosting the Arab Cup or the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

He affirmed that “the Qatari model represents an unprecedented compass and role model for the world, and a source of pride for Arabs, Muslims, and Asians.”

Rajoub added that Sheikh Hamad’s presence carries national significance and reflects Qatar’s refined sporting culture in dealing with both victory and defeat. He also recalled the message of His Highness the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which welcomed the participating teams in the Arab Cup and congratulated Palestine on its victory in the opening match.

Rajoub concluded by saying: “We are proud of our national team’s results, as it is a symbol of unity, dignity, and Palestinian national pride.”

At the conclusion of the visit, Rajoub presented a commemorative gift to the Minister of Sports and Youth, consisting of two jerseys signed by the players of the Palestinian national team, bearing the name of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.