Italian footballers denied entry to Gaza

Palestinian media reports said Sunday that the Israeli occupation forces, manning the Eretz checkpoint, to the north of Gaza Strip, have been denying access to Gaza of an Italian sports delegation since the early hours of Sunday.

The delegation, made up of 101 fans of various Italian sports teams, visit Gaza for the fourth year consecutively, however, Israel this time delayed its entry to Gaza, the Palestinian coordinator of the visit explained.

The Palestinian ministry of youth and sports of the ruling Hamas party has already completed preparations for the visitors' accommodation, the coordinator said.