Premier League release a statement on the war in Israel and Gaza, condemning the 'horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians' - and pledging to make a donation to the British Red Cross

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The Premier League have released a statement on the 'escalating crisis' in Israel and Gaza and have condemned the 'horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians'.

Players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment's silence during the weekend the league returns from the current international break on October 21. 

The Premier League have also pledged to make a donation to the British Red Cross who are providing vital aid and support to those affected in the region. 

On Saturday Hamas launched the biggest attack on Israel in years from the Gaza Strip, with a surprise assault combining gunmen crossing the border with a heavy barrage of rockets. Islamic Jihad fighters joined the attack.

Israel's military said it was on a war footing, adding it had carried out strikes targeting Hamas in Gaza and had called up reservists.

The Premier League has released a statement on the 'escalating crisis' in Israel and Gaza

The FA have come in for criticism for refusing to lit up the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israel flag as they did last year with Ukraine just a day after Russia invaded the country 

More Israelis have died in the conflict so far than in the last 15 years of hostilities. Hundreds of civilians on both sides have lost their lives.

A total of 1,354 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip, the local health ministry has said with a further 6,049 people injured.

'The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza,' Thursday's statement read. 'And strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians.

'We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.

'As a mark of respect for all those affected, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at the fixtures taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October.

'The League will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support the aid efforts helping those in urgent need.'

The league's stance on the conflict comes after the Government wrote a letter to sports bodies encouraging them to pay tribute to the victims of Hamas terror attacks at upcoming events.

And the FA were criticised for refusing to light up the Wembley arch with the colours of the Israel flag before the Three Lions' friendly against Australia on Friday. 

Palestinians evacuate wounded after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023

Smoke plumes billow during Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on October 12, 2023

Over 1,200 people were killed over the weekend as Hamas terrorists rampaged through towns in southern Israel

Last year, the arch turned blue and yellow in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It was also illuminated in rainbow colours in support of LGBT people amid the 'OneLove' armband row at the Qatar World Cup.

Rather than perform a similar tribute, the FA said it would hold a minute's silence and ask players to wear black armbands. There will also be a ban on Israeli or Palestinian flags.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer had called for the famous arches to be lit up in blue and white in honour of Israel.

He told LBS: 'I do think they should be on the arch because I think the message has to go out that we stand with Israel, the UK stands with Israel, and that is a manifestation of that support.' 

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for the Wembley arch to be illuminated with the Israeli flag colours