After More than Two Years of War on the Gaza Strip, the Return and Loyalty Chess Championship Kicks Off in Gaza

SadaNews - The Palestinian Chess Federation announced today, Sunday, the launch of the Return and Loyalty Chess Championship in Gaza City, with the participation of more than 50 male and female players, following a halt in the official activities of the game for over two years due to the war on the Gaza Strip. The championship will continue for three consecutive days.

The championship is held in honor of the souls of the martyrs of chess and as a message affirming the continuation of the sports journey despite the destruction and difficult humanitarian conditions. The competitions are conducted using the rapid chess format (open) according to the internationally recognized Swiss system over 7 rounds, with a playing time of 15 minutes plus 10 seconds for each move.

The Vice President of the Palestinian Chess Federation, Sharif Zaher, stated that holding the championship at this time carries deep national and humanitarian significance, emphasizing that the return of sports activities was a national and ethical priority. He added, "We are not just organizing a sports championship; we are sending a message of hope to an entire generation, and we affirm that Gaza is capable of rising from the rubble and that thought and creativity are stronger than war."

He further added, "This step would not have been achieved without the continuous and full support of the President of the Palestinian Chess Federation, Bashar Masri, who has been present and following every detail, ensuring that the return of activity is well-planned and strong and carries a national and humanitarian dimension reflecting the spirit of loyalty to the Gaza Strip."

For her part, Nelly Masri, a member of the Palestinian Chess Federation and its spokesperson in Gaza, said: "The launch of this championship today reflects the federation's ability to resume its fieldwork despite difficult conditions, and reaffirms its commitment to provide a safe and organized space for players to practice chess again after the period of interruption."

She pointed out that despite the harsh wartime conditions and the cessation of official activities, the federation maintained its constant communication with players, ensuring their well-being and seeking to support them morally and organizationally, believing in the role of chess in enhancing psychological resilience and building hope, especially among youth. The championship witnessed significant attendance on its first day from players of various ages, in a competitive atmosphere characterized by commitment and discipline under the supervision of the Palestinian Federation's technical and organizational staff.

The Return and Loyalty Championship is considered the first official activity of the federation in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war, in a step aimed at reactivating sports activities and reinforcing the role of chess as a tool for building awareness, psychological resilience, and renewing hope for a better future.