… FIFA president reacts
By Matthew Tabe
The relationship between two regional bitter rivals in the Middle- East seems to be witnessing a robust approach ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which saw fans from Israeli and Palestinian fans will travel in the same flight.
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The two agreed to board direct charter flights between Israel and Qatar for the first time in about fifty years.
The Israeli government signed an agreement with Qatar which will see the first-ever direct flights between Tel Aviv and Qatar.
The two countries do not have diplomatic relations, but Qatar has agreed to allow Israelis to enter the country for the duration of the tournament.
For the last 5 decades Qatar and so many Islamic middle east countries have had no diplomatic relations with Israel, seeing the state as an ”illegitimate country occupying Palestinian country.”
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Earlier this week, it was revealed that charter flights between Israel and Qatar would need to make a stop at Larnaca International Airport (LCA) in Cyprus. However, the Qatari Government has since permitted direct charter flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar. And the permission will run throughout the tournament.
The flights will be operated by a foreign airline with existing landing rights in Qatar. According to FIFA, these flights are “subject to Israel’s security requirements and operational capabilities.” Further details are yet to be announced.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino reacts
Speaking the development the FIFA president said “We are delighted that an agreement has been reached for Israeli and Palestinian fans to visit Qatar and attend matches during the FIFA World Cup. With this deal, Israelis and Palestinians will be able to fly together and enjoy football together. Football has the power to bring people together, it transcends all boundaries, crosses all borders, and fosters unity like nothing else. The World Cup is the ultimate symbol of football’s unifying power, and today’s historic announcement provides a platform to improve relations across the Middle East.”
Tens of thousands of Israeli citizens are expected to visit Qatar for the World Cup. As well as having a valid flight ticket to and from Qatar, all travelers must hold a valid Hayya card. The Hayya card is a fan ID card that is required to enter the country and the World Cup stadiums. It also grants holders free travel on metro and bus transportation on match days.
The Palestinian Embassy in Doha will provide consular services throughout the tournament. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do the same, but through a privately-operated travel company based in Qatar.