Saoud Khalaf

Majed Abu Maraheel, the first Palestinian Olympian, will be honoured by Palestinian athletes following his death in the Nuseirat Camp massacre earlier this year

Palestine's participation at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar comes at a critical time, with players witnessing the horrors of Israel's genocide on their home turf.

Israel's siege of Gaza's hospitals has left thousands stuck between life and death, none more so than dozens of premature babies in incubators. Yet Israel's misinformation campaign to deflect blame for their perilous fate has failed to gain traction.

Iraqi football is having a golden generation. Stars across the world have rekindled their Iraqi heritage to represent the national team, despite European pressure and xenophobia. A stalwart of Arab football, Iraq is having its time to shine again.

Israel's war crimes in Gaza have involved the use of the illegal chemical weapon white phosphorus, which causes horrific deformities and death. However, this isn't the first time it has been used, as the Iraqi city of Fallujah knows all too well.

On the 10th anniversary of his death, Mandela's legacy is remembered by some more than others. As Western leaders continue to cherry-pick their relationship with apartheid South Africa, remembering Mandela's struggle for justice is worth reiterating.

Football has always had a special capacity to transcend the tragedies of war and occupation, as demonstrated by Palestine's southern neighbour Egypt, a country whose spirit remains unbreakable and steadfast in Palestine's fight for justice.

Neglected, ostracised and demonised, the lives of refugees are getting harder. This World Refugee Day, remembering the context and conditions of the global refugee community is needed now more than ever.

Sport transforms the lives of those who have little to live for or have been denied the possibility of life. In Lebanon's Shatila refugee camp, a Jiu-Jitsu training course has forged new means of hope and strength for the camp's residents.