Authorities denounce the arrest of two Palestinian soccer players by Israeli forces

Published at: 04/06/2026 11:43 AM

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has formally denounced the arrest of two prominent athletes, calling the act an “unfair” action and part of a “systematic persecution” directed against Palestinian athletes. Those affected are Rand Halauani, current member of the national women's team, and Natalie Abú Dayé, who was part of the team in the past, generating strong rejection in the international sports arena.

“Israeli security forces arrested Rand Halauani, a player for the Palestinian women's national team, and Natalie Abu Dayé, a former member of the team,” official reports said. Halauani, 20, was initially summoned to a police station in West Jerusalem, where her deprivation of liberty was later extended until Friday; meanwhile, Abu Dayé, 21, a student at Birzeit University, was captured directly in her university residence.

The PFA has expressed its deep concern at these events, arguing that harassment against athletes represents a direct attack on the integrity of the sport and on the fundamental rights of Palestinian young people. The entity emphasized that these types of procedures are part of a broader policy of restriction and pressure that affects the development of sports activities in the occupied territories.

So far, the sports community requires clear explanations about the legal reasons for these arrests and respect for due process for both players. The PFA complaint seeks to make visible the difficulties faced by athletes in the current security context, requesting the support of international organizations to guarantee the freedom of female athletes and the cessation of intimidating practices in the sector.

Mazo News Team