Kosovo Police announced heightened security measures a day prior to the Euro 2024 qualifying match between Kosovo and Israel. They are implementing restrictions on materials with religious and political content in and around Pristina’s Fadil Vokrri stadium.
This match marks Israel’s national team’s first appearance since the conflict erupted between Israel and Hamas, officially designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union on October 7.
Originally scheduled for October 15, the match was postponed to November 12 due to the radical group’s attack on cities in southern Israel. The attack resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of over 240 individuals, triggering retaliatory actions and continuous Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement on Saturday, Kosovo Police assured an increase in overall security measures before, during, and after the Sunday match at Fadil Vokrri stadium, accommodating around 14,000 fans.
The Police emphasized their intention to monitor potential crowds not just near the stadium but throughout the city, including public squares.
Roads leading to the stadium will be closed on the match day.
The Police also announced a prohibition on “any promotional material that is racist, xenophobic, political, or religious”.
This heightened security follows a denied request from a pro-Palestinian group for a peaceful protest on the match day, citing security concerns.
According to Kosovar law, the Police can restrict public gatherings if they aim to incite violence, racial, national, ethnic, or religious hatred.
The Gaza Strip has witnessed over 10,000 Palestinian casualties, according to the local Ministry of Health.
These events have prompted protests worldwide, including two in support of Palestinians in Pristina and one in Prizren.
Apart from marches in support of Palestinians in Gaza, Kosovo also paid tribute to the victims in Israel.
Significance of the match
The Kosovo vs. Israel match is a fixture in Group I of the Euro 2024 qualifications.
As part of this group, Romania, Switzerland, Belarus, and Andorra are also vying for qualification in the European Championship 2024.
Only the top two teams from the group will secure qualification.
