Dream of Qualifying for Euro 2024; Israeli National Football Team Arrives in Kosovo Under Heavy Security

The Israeli national football team arrived in Kosovo on Friday, November 10, under heavy security measures to play their postponed match against this country in the Euro 2024 qualifying games on Sunday. According to the 'Times of Israel', this is the first match for the Israeli national football team following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The players and members of the team entered Kosovo amidst calls from some users in the country, where the majority of the population is Muslim, to cancel the match. These calls and the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinians prompted the Kosovo police to be on high alert and to increase security measures. Although the majority of Kosovo's population is Muslim, the country is considered an ally of the United States and supports Washington's foreign policies. However, Israel's military operations in Gaza and the rising Palestinian casualties have also led to criticisms in Kosovo, which have been reflected on social media. The Kosovo police told local media that they have increased 'security measures' to ensure that the match proceeds without any issues. The Kosovo Football Federation initially intended to hold the match without spectators for security reasons, but after consultations with UEFA, they changed their decision. All 14,000 tickets for the match have been issued in the names of buyers, who must present identification upon entering the stadium. Agim Ademi, the president of the Kosovo Football Federation, told local media, 'All measures outlined in UEFA regulations will be implemented to ensure this match is held without any incidents.' This game was originally scheduled for October 7 but was postponed due to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. According to Fox News, Israel is currently third in the group, behind Romania and Switzerland, but has played two fewer games and is scheduled to play four matches in the next ten days. Israel will hold its two home games against Switzerland and Romania in Hungary. The Israeli players are highly motivated to win these qualifying matches and qualify for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany. Kosovo established diplomatic relations with Israel during the presidency of Donald Trump and is the first European country and the first Muslim-majority country to open its embassy in Jerusalem instead of Tel Aviv, following the United States and Guatemala.